Since the beginning of jazz, the “latin tinge” has always been a selling feature to America’s classical music. Pianist Bill O’Connell brings together a hip team of Conrad Herwig/tb, Steve Slagle/woodwinds, Luques Curtis/b, and Richie Barshay/dr along with a carload of percussive and vocal guests.
Slagle’s soprano simmers on the scintillating “Vertigo” while his flute is cirrus cloud fluffy on ”The Eyes of a Child.” Some exciting percussion gets volcanic during “The Eyes of A Child” and “Peace On Earth” as bata drums, piano and congas team up as well as Roman diaz’s vocals on the latter. The band does a hip re-read of Jobim’s “Waters of March” and Wayne Shorter’s “ESP” includes Melvis Santa’s vocals on the cleverly grooved arrangement. Exciting music here that is zesty and flavorful.
Savant Records