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New York City-based
vibraphonist/bandleader/composer/educator Steve Pouchie brings
us his latest recording, El Puente (The Bridge), a
production that bridges the talents and efforts of this veteran
road warrior of Latin jazz with the reality of surviving as a
musician in the belly of an urban jungle. Inspired by the
musical traditions pioneered by Tito Puente and Cal Tjader,
Pouchie delivers a balanced repertoire of original scores and
Latin jazz classics, all displaying his unique flavor while
reflecting a musical portrait in time.
"El Puente" was recorded in the Bronx, in the good company of
some of New York City's top Latin jazz players, including Little
Johnny Rivero (percussion), Jotan Afanador (drums), Adán Pérez
and Sam Barrios (keyboards), Solo Rodríguez (bass), Iván Renta
and Julio Botti (saxophones), Peter Nater (trumpet), and Andrea
Brachfeld (flute). They excel on the selections Journey into
Outland, Picadillo (featuring guest Ronnie Puente, Tito
Puente's oldest son, on a marimba solo), The Ghanan Trail
(highlighting Andrea Brachfeld's flute solo), and Naomi's
Fantasy (with tasty solos provided by Ariel Santiago on
flute, Julio Botti on sax, and Erik Piza on timbal). Sharing
arrangement credits with Steve Pouchie in this new production is
Willie Ruiz.
— Rudy Mangual,
Editor of Latin Beat Magazine May -
2010 |
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