Wendell Rivera's Latin Jazz Ensemble With John Patitucci
[WPR]
Long a presence on the Western New York jazz scene, percussionist Wendell Rivera has now become a force to be reckoned with in the greater jazz community. On this new effort, featuring his Latin Jazz Ensemble and world-renowned bassist John Patitucci, Rivera has overseen a record where performance, composition and overall vibe are perfectly matched. It's a stunning blend of styles, all of which fit beneath the rather broad umbrella of Latin jazz.
Though the big news here is that Rivera has enlisted Patitucci - an artist who is frankly revered in the jazz world, both as a session player, and in incredible work he has done with Chick Corea's electric and acoustic ensembles - this fact does not overshadow the contributions of Rivera's core team of players, all of whom have ties to the Buffalo area.
John Bacon Jr. is a virtuoso drummer, percussionist and composer, and he contributes the languid samba "La Conga Loca" here, in addition to playing beautifully throughout. Keyboardist Pat Georger offers up one
of his own tunes, the rolling, ostinato-based slow-burner "Another Day," and adds a compelling blend of rhythmic and harmonic chops to his stately solo during "La Conga Loca." Longtime Rivera collaborator David Kayne is a composer, arranger and educator, in addition to his role as the Latin Jazz Ensemble's vibist. Kayne contributed four tunes to the album. Flute and tenor sax player Andy Weinzler shines throughout, particularly on Kayne's "Mango Sabor," a showcase for his fluid improvisations. Rivera's propulsive conga playing is the heart of the ensemble's sound.
Beneath it all, Patitucci does what he does best: walk the fine line between virtuosity and soulfulness like the masterful musician he is. Though there is plenty of harmonic content to chew on throughout Rivera's album, the grooves are essential, and the Patitucci/Bacon rhythm section is lithe, unerring in its ability get deep into the pocket.
A joyful noise, from start to finish, celebratory, cerebral and dripping with soul.
- J.M
Read more about this recording on John's 2005 Writings Page under October 7, 2005,
For more information or to order the CD: www.wendellrivera.com
Announcing the release of a new jazz recording on Cadence Jazz Records by Don Menza, John Bacon and Bobby Jones. Jack Rabbitt (CJR1184) produced by John Bacon features Don Menza on tenor sax, Bobby Jones on organ and John Bacon, on drumset. It was recorded in the summer of 2003 at Audio Magic Studios in Buffalo and released on July 15, 2005.
The recording features four Bacon originals and three standards. This is the first time that Don has recorded in an organ trio and you will hear that he really shines in this context. The CD is available through North Country Distributors, The Cadence Building, Redwood , NY, 13679 (315 287 2852) or New World Record, 765 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY.
I first crossed paths with Don Menza in the early 1980’s. He inspired me on our first encounter and through many years has kept me pursuing a creative exploration of our interaction. During the Spring and Summer of 2000 I was able to present a series of gigs at Wendell Rivera’s short lived club, La Conga Loca. When Don performed, keyboardist Bobby Jones joined us. At roughly 70, 50 and 40 years of age we are three generations of Buffalo area musicians joined by this great music and representing the history of our own musical paths. Don Menza and Bobby Jones inspire me to swing hard. I can’t think of two people whom I would rather share music with. -John Bacon
Songs include:
Jack Rabbitt
Body and Soul
One Day
My Foolish Heart
Soldiers in the Rain
The Right Spice
La Conga Loca
