Alto saxophonist
Oscar Feldman's tribute to his heroes and direct family members manifests itself in a cornucopia of Latin American musics welded onto the distinct sounds of modern jazz. Where this music is all over the Southern Hemisphere, it's rooted in the infectious rhythms of the Spanish language, at times with a symphonic base, at others in happy celebration for the natural gifts of pure musicianship.
Feldman is surrounded by great New York City-based jazz players such as fellow saxophonist
Mark Turner, trumpeter
Diego Urcola,
John Benítez or
Pablo Aslan on bass, the exceptional pianist
Manuel Valera, drummer Antonio Sanchez, and percussionist
Pernell Saturnino -- as great a band as you'll find anywhere, anytime. The leader wrote half of these vibrant compositions, with the rest coming from heavyweight sources like
Wayne Shorter,
Astor Piazzolla,
Guillermo Klein, and
Hermeto Pascoal. Of the originals, "Mrs. Tangoholic" is a load of funky fun with psychedelic beginnings leading to the horns jamming in a more Afro-Cuban than Argentinian style. Where "The Improvisers" reflects an American R&B chart in 7/8 time, "So Tenderlee" is an out-and-out jazz swinger dedicated to
Lee Konitz, with
Feldman's dry alto as the straw stirring the drink. Other offerings include a peppy version of
Shorter's usually subterranean "Children of the Night"; the title track, from
Pascoal's pen, in a pensive to moderate cha cha;
Piazzolla's rich and exotic "Triunfal" with Tito Castro on bandoneon; and
Klein's hip and passionate modal "Minotauro." This is the kind of recording you'll want to play repeatedly not only to catch all the more subtle nuances, but to drink in the power of
Feldman's multicultural concept, an exceptional album that should bring immediate dividends and stand the test of time. ~ Michael G. Nastos