By Herbie Y. Gamura

   El Puente represents for Steve Pouchie, “a bridge
or transition into a bolder style of Latin jazz vibe playing.” As someone unfamiliar with his previous work, I feel this disc leaves nothing lacking, so I will say that he has accomplished his mission. The vibes are the perfectinstrument for Latin jazz – a style of music where rhythmic ingenuity is of primary importance, since the vibes can be described as a melodic drum of sorts – and Pouchie plays it as such. You can dance to the rhythms he creates and sing to the melodies.

      This disc features a handful of originals from
Pouchie as well as some unique Latin interpretations
of classics like “Take Five” and “Green Dolphin
Street.” Joining him is an all-star cast including Little
Johnny Rivero, Andrea Brachfeld, Pete Nater, Jotan
Afanador and Ivan Renta. Rivero’s work on this record
is put in the mix front and center, and he will get
you out of your chair! It was hard for me to sit down
and type. I had to dance for a while first.

The album gets into a lot of different shades of
Latin jazz, including more roots oriented African
styles as exhibited on Pouchie’s original “The Ghanan
Trail,” a 6/8 arrangement featuring Andrea Brachfeld
on flute playing against an afro-Cuban background.
Even the shores of Brazil are reached with “Manha
Da Carnaval,” featuring a bossa inspired beat.
Pouchie’s compositions are all quite memorable
such as the pleasant, feel-good tune “The Shores of
Summer” which is the perfect title – you will feel like
you are on the beach with not a care in the world, enjoying some laughs with friends while this fantastic
band is playing on the deck by the bar.

     The final song is based on a melodic motif by
Pouchie’s wife that he developed into a fun dance
tune entitled “Naomi’s Fantasy.” It may be danceable
but it has many parts and really tells a story, with a
few different moods explored within the structure.
The sound of Pouchie’s vibraphone really brings
a magical and mysterious vibe into the Latin Jazz
sound. Even though there is a piano in most of the
songs, it is put lower in the mix, and the softer attack
of the vibraphone is front and center. In fact, the piano
sound is my one complaint with this album but it is kept in the background, and its thin and weak sound allows  Pouchie’s vibes to stay in the spotlight.

    El Puente is a disc that will get you out of your seat,
but will also satisfy you if you just want to close your
eyes and listen to some well composed, well played, and
well arranged music from a great musician..