| Are you in the mood for some tight well-balanced Latin Jazz? Well if you answer is affirmative then the music of Bob DeSena and his group will certainly fit the bill. Bob, a classy, hip and stylish multi-instrumentalist brings us his own creative Latin Jazz sounds in his release on the Discos Dos Coronas label entitled, All That Latin Jazz.
Just by looking at the cover of the CD you can tell that he has the pizzazz and style needed to be successful. I first met Bob DeSena when he was playing with my good friends the Nuestro Band at the Chicano Music Awards. After hearing him play I was convinced that not only was he good but what a sound! After a couple of tunes, I saw him put down his mallets and pick up the Pocket Trumpet by then I was really amazed. I remembered telling Ruben Palazuelos, leader of the Nuestro Band "Where did you find him?" and he just smiled and said well "you know bro." As you check out this wonderful collection of Original Material you will soon see what I mean.
Having had the strong desire to pursue his own thing since an early age Bob has put together a gorgeious recording that should be remembered for a long time. Bob has had many musical influences in a wide arena of Musical Styles everything from the sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, Malo, Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Poncho Sanchez, Freddie Hubbard, Maynard Ferguson, Herb Albert and Roy Ayers. Actually, it was Roy Ayers who became a strong influence in Bob's career as a mentor and helped him discover the magic of the Vibraphone. Bob studied under the guidance of Tony Kol who was a percussionist with the Tonight Show band. Bob learned and as you can see devoloped his own style on the Vibes and I like it. In this effort you will hear all the tasty rhythms that Latin Music has to offer and all with a style and finesse that this talented musico has to offer. In my opinion this is more than a strong debut it is one tasty Latin Jazz CD! I have some favorites but I really enjoy the soulful Guarija "Pasa Tiempo". Listen to the way Bob creates magic on this one. I really enjoy the playing of pianist Bob Luna who makes this one sway with elegance. "Mambo Habanero" is a moving tune that features the talents of Los Angeles's very own Bobby Loya on Trumpet and a great solo from Lon Norman on Trombone. You will enjoy the melodic "Forever Gigi" dedicated to his beautiful daughter. This is an amazing Bolero that will put you in a mellow reflective mood. "Anna my Love" is an original from Bob Luna and is first rate. The catchy "Corazon en Tiempo clave" allows the band to stretch out and highlights the tone of Bob's vibes and from the sound of things the audience seems to approve of this one too. In the tradition of all great toe-tapping tunes "Dangerous Curves" is one that will have you moving. Listen to the Piano Vamp intro along with the strong percussionwork of Arnie Silva. "Si Como no" is a perfect example of the 'West Coast' sound nice and layed back with plenty of punch and swing. "El Camino Real" reminds me of the Cal Tjader blend of Latin Jazz. You will enjoy this up-beat groover.
Bob has definitely come on the Latin Jazz scene with a good effort. This one needs to be in your collection. Check him out and dig all that Latin Jazz.
Erik "Chico" Manqueros
Radio Host / Writer
The Latin Style of Jazz & www.LatinJazzclub.com
|
