Jam Miami: A Celebration of Latin Jazz

Jam Miami: A Celebration of Latin Jazz

ASIN: B00004YNEQ

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As if to remind anyone who's forgotten his roots, Chick Corea re-connects here with his past, when he was pianist for Willie Bobo and Cal Tjader in the 1960s, and a catalyst for Brazilian fusion in the 1970s. Playing a Fender Rhodes piano throughout this 10-song live session, Corea reminds one more of Latin jazz master Clare Fischer than the adventurous soloist who always keeps his music on the edge. With Arturo Sandoval on Mongo Santamaria's "Beseme Mama," Corea recalls his days with Return to Forever.

The disc opens with all the pots boiling on "Soul Sauce" and "A Night in Tunisia," two standards by Dizzy Gillespie, the godfather of Latin jazz. Corea, Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, and former Spyro Gyra vibes player David Samuels are all featured with fiery solos, with Sandoval trading high-flying riffs with fellow trumpeter Claudio Roditi on the latter tune. A tribute to Tito Puente, who was originally a part of this jam before falling ill, Jam Miami features two former members of his group, flutist Dave Valentin and trumpeter Ray Vega, as well as Escovedo, who, with Puente's death, may be the leading timbalero in Latin jazz. The theme from "I Love Lucy" and Corea's own "Wigwam," featuring members of his band Origin, are among the sparkling highlights of these long, solo-rich numbers. And smoke from the smoldering percussion riffs probably will linger in the South Florida night for ages. --Mark A. Ruffin

Tracks:

Guachi Guaro (Soul Sauce) - Chick Corea/Dave Samuels/Poncho Sanchez/Pete Escovedo/Eddi Resto/Dave Valentin/Arturo Sandoval...
A Night In Tunsia - Arturo Sandoval/Claudio Roditi/The Latin Jazz All Stars Big Band
Medley Para Tito: Ran Kan Kan/Oye Como Va - Dave Valentin/Ray Vega/Pete Escovedo/Arturo Sandoval/Dave Valentin/Ray Vega...
Ican - Chick Corea/Arturo Sandoval/Ed Calle/Steve Turre/Poncho Sanchez/Pete Escovedo/Avishai Cohen...
Wigwam - Steve Wilson/Steve Davis/Tim Garland/Jeff Ballard/Avishai Cohen/Chick Corea/Horacio Hernandez...
Ven Morena - Oscar D'Leon/Nestor Torres/Steve Turre/Pete Escovedo/Poncho Sanchez/Arturo Sandoval/Dave Valentin...
Poncho Con Su Tambor - Poncho Sanchez
Besame Mama - Poncho Sanchez/Ray Bega/Pete Escovedo/Oscar D'Leon/Arturo Sandoval/Dave Valentin...
A Mis Abuelos - Chick Corea/Horacio Hernandez/Leo Quintero/Arturo Sandoval/The Latin Jazz All Stars Big Band
Theme From I Love Lucy - Robert Rodriguez/Ed Calle/Claudio Roditi/Steve Turre/Dave Samuels/Dave Valentin/Chick Corea...

Amazon.com

As if to remind anyone who's forgotten his roots, Chick Corea re-connects here with his past, when he was pianist for Willie Bobo and Cal Tjader in the 1960s, and a catalyst for Brazilian fusion in the 1970s. Playing a Fender Rhodes piano throughout this 10-song live session, Corea reminds one more of Latin jazz master Clare Fischer than the adventurous soloist who always keeps his music on the edge. With Arturo Sandoval on Mongo Santamaria's "Beseme Mama," Corea recalls his days with Return to Forever.

The disc opens with all the pots boiling on "Soul Sauce" and "A Night in Tunisia," two standards by Dizzy Gillespie, the godfather of Latin jazz. Corea, Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, and former Spyro Gyra vibes player David Samuels are all featured with fiery solos, with Sandoval trading high-flying riffs with fellow trumpeter Claudio Roditi on the latter tune. A tribute to Tito Puente, who was originally a part of this jam before falling ill, Jam Miami features two former members of his group, flutist Dave Valentin and trumpeter Ray Vega, as well as Escovedo, who, with Puente's death, may be the leading timbalero in Latin jazz. The theme from "I Love Lucy" and Corea's own "Wigwam," featuring members of his band Origin, are among the sparkling highlights of these long, solo-rich numbers. And smoke from the smoldering percussion riffs probably will linger in the South Florida night for ages. --Mark A. Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic: the heat of live latin jazz.......2007-05-14

Because some of my friends play in a Latin Jazz band, I have become very interested in this kind of music over the last couple of years. In particular, I love the sound of high-blowing trumpets and a tight percussion section.

I discovered this album while searching for music of Arturo Sandoval. As a matter of fact, this album seemed to be a collection of (live!) performances of great latin jazz songs, including some classics like "A Night in Tunesia" and a Tito Puente medley (with "Oye como va" and "Ran Kan Kan"); actually, the version of "A night in Tunesia" is the best I've heard so far.

Because many great latin jazz musicians perform on this album, I used it as a starting point for discovering more latin jazz music. Conclusion: a great album for anyone who loves Latin Jazz!

Jam Miami Absolutely Amazing.......2001-10-03

This cd is a must buy for all Latin Jazz fans. Arturo Sandoval's solo in "A Night In Tunisia" is awesome. All of the songs on this cd a very good. It is hard to find a cd with every song very good.

These cats on fire. . ........2001-02-08

This album is something really special- these artists play together like they were brothers, and in a way, they are. They dedicate the music to Tito Puente (who was very ill at the time of the concert). They music is entirely soulful and heartfelt. Everyone plays "Tunisia," but this version is really something to behold. Chick's playing on Sandoval's "Mis Abuelos" is perfectly mathed with Sandoval's horn. Claudio Roditi explodes with vitality, Poncho Sanchez is ON. This concert album is recorded with studio quality. If you like any of these cats, this album is definite.

Best Latin Live ever!!.......2001-01-31

If your looking for a latin jazz cd in live format, this is it. Not only is the ensemble awesome, but the soloists are also great. Arturos solo at the end of 'Night in Tunisia' where he goes from a low double C, then to a triple F is amazing. Definitely worth it!!

Brilliant!.......2001-01-07

I bought this CD over three months ago and I have yet to get tired of listening to it. The gathering of such talent performing live on one CD is a real treat. Arturo Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, Chick Corea (which is rare to see him on latin Jazz album), Dave Valentin, Nestor Torres, Hilton Ruiz, and Jeff Ballard on drums (who is simply awesome). This CD packed with these notable musicians is really special. If you're into serious latin Jazz, then this is a must have.

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