You could make a credible argument that Latin Music from Cuba and Brazil essentially saved jazz in the 50s and 60s from becoming a sterile collection of musical naval gazing by injecting a new and fresh sense of pulsations and rhythms. These two releases from Fresh Sound Records are must-haves to your collection of albums saved for Cruise Night.
Eusebio Santiag Azpiazu (1891-1966), better known as Maro Antobal teamed with his brother and bandleader Don Azpiazu to put together a sizzling big band in his home town of Havana, Cuba. This two disc set is a torrid affair of “Antobal’s Cuban All Stars” under the direction of Obdulio Morales, featuring arrangements by the likes of Chico O’Farrill,” Gilberto Valdes and Rene Hernandez. The sessions from 1958-60 in smoky Havana are scorching hot, with relentless grooves on “Mmbo En Fa,” “Mambo Tripical” and sizzling percussion during “Los Timbales.” Passionate vocals by Raul Azpiazu (“Dame El Bururu”), Gina Martin (“Tambores Africanos”) and Roberto Cordero (“Gue-Le-Le” & Batamu”) create a sweaty and smoky atmosphere that is palpable, while the extroverted horns blister during the relentless “Tumbao Cubano” and “Cuban Blues.” This set has more of a wallop than Café Bustelo and smokes better than a Montecristo!
Detroit based trombonist George Bohanon is best known for his work with Chico Hamilton, but he put out some impressive material as a leader as well, like this hip samba session with Kirk Lightsey/p, Joe Messina/g, Cecil McBee/b and guest percussionists George Goldsmith, Bob Cousar and Henry Cosby to add to the Brazilian atmosphere. There’s one standard, “Speak Low,” but even it is given the samba treatment, with Bohanon’s warm horn riding the wave like a longboarder, and the team digging deep on the leader’s “El Rio,” “Simpatico” and Lightsey’s sensuous “El Rig” which features the pianist in a warm light. McBee gets some space on the peppy “Mioki” and everyone gets a spot in the light on the creative “Bobbie.” Sao Paolo by Detroit.
https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/george-bohanon-albums/46956-boss-bossa-nova.html