CD Reviews: Eddie Allen - “Salongo”
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Posted by: editoron Friday, May 09, 2008 - 10:56 PM |
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By: Edward Blanco
Salongo is an expression from Zaire meaning, “We come together to create something beautiful out of love” and it also happens to be the name of the album and group that trumpeter/composer Eddie Allen has assembled in a very successful attempt to “create something beautiful.” Containing sizzling new charts and a fiery performance from the band, this self-titled CD just might be the best Latin jazz album of the year. Eddie Allen’s Salongo, a 7-piece Afro-Cuban/Brazilian light ensemble, propels a host of Brazilian and Latin rhythms to new levels of excitement.
Allen, who plays trumpet, the electric trumpet and flugelhorn, anchors a 3-piecs horn section that includes Bruce Williams on Alto and Teodross Avery on the tenor. The rhythm section, comprised of Central and South American talent, has renowned Latin jazz pianist Hector Martignon playing with bassist Mario Rodriguez, drummer Diego Lopez and Renato Thoms providing the percussions. Appearing here as special guest is Uli Geissendoerfer doing the keyboards and handclaps.
Except for Charlie Parker’s “My Little Suede Shoes,” given a one heck of a Latin groove overhaul here, Allen contributes eight new scorching compositions guaranteed to draw involuntary movement from your shoulders and head as soon as you hear the music. He sets up the session beginning with the lively Brazilian harmony of “Brazilian Sunset” where the horns come alive with spicy solo performances.
From there you are treated to one scrumptious number after another with the leader providing excellent trumpet phrasings on his “Being Here With You,” the percussive “Search For Truth” and “Nymphs Of The Sudan” (love the title). “New Rules” starts a bit funky then settles down to a nice Latin rhythm and provides a showcase for pianist Martignon.
This one rounds out with one of the best scores in “Midnight Run” where Allen plays a special solo on the electric trumpet producing an interesting sound. Allen ends the album as he began it with a bit of the Brazilian flavor on “Just So You Know” and delivers another marvelous solo shot here.
Eddie Allen has sculpted an inspirational session of Brazilian and Latin jazz grooves with
“Salongo,” a recording bursting with hot Latin rhythms full of energy, excitement and fire! This is one album you don’t want to miss.
Year: 2008
Label: DBCD Records
Artist Web: www.eddieallen.net
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