Impromptu (Criss Cross Jazz)
Rodriguez Brothers
Released May 12, 2015
Grammy Nominee for Best Latin Jazz Album 2016
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=WL8agkl22Sw&list=OLAK5uy_keq5YpNiYimuO7kW6qszO6DakYMSdjCAM
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6N6tR6uIeTOAZDhKZJDtoZ?si=Neyuhb5vTz-1HD1r06sJtQ
About:
A working unit since 2002, The Rodriguez Brothers present their kinetic, masterfully rendered concept of “Jazz Latin,” incorporating traditional and modern Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, bolero and hardcore jazz flavors. The brothers, each in their mid-thirties, are virtuoso storytellers on their respective instruments, as are their generational peer group bandmates Carlos Henriquez (the bassist with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since the early ’00s after several years with Gonzalo Rubalcaba), Cuban traps drummer Ludwig Afonso, and the eminent Columbian-born percussionist Samuel Torres.
Track Listing:
1. Impromptu (Michael Rodriguez) 8:38
2. La Guaracha (Robert Rodriguez) 6:15
3. Fragment (Robert Rodriguez) 6:53
4. Descargation (Michael Rodriguez) 9:13
5. Love Samba (Robert Rodriguez) 7:26
6. Latin Jacks (Michael Rodriguez) 7:55
7. Tu Mi Delirio (César Portillo de la Luz) 6:19
8. Minor Things (Robert Rodriguez) 6:46
Personnel:
Michael Rodriguez: trumpet, flugelhorn, pandeiro, percussion
Robert Rodriguez: piano, percussion
Carlos Henriquez: bass
Ludwig Alfonso: drums
Samuel Torres: congas, percussion
Roberto Rodriguez: drums (8)
Recorded October 31, 2014 in Brooklyn, NY, USA by Michael Marciano
Producer: Gerry Teekens
Recording Engineer: Michael Marciano
Mixed and Mastered by Max Ross
Cover Design: Gerry Teekens, Bloemendaal in Vorm
Photography by Jimmy Katz
Review:
Those of us who have siblings know the special bond that brothers and
sisters share. From being able to quote the same movies, to sharing memories of
childhood and growing up, it’s hard to deny that siblings have a unique
connection. It should come as no surprise then, that this unique connection
gives siblings a certain advantage when playing music together, especially
music as intimate and conversational as jazz. Indeed, there is a rich history
of brothers collaborating in jazz; the collaborations Montgomery brothers, the
Jones brothers, the Brecker brothers, and the Marsalis brothers are all good
examples of the great music that can happen when siblings improvise together.
On Impromptu, a new sibling powerhouse reveals itself in the dynamic
playing of trumpeter Michael Rodriguez and pianist Roberto Juan
Rodriguez. Joining the brothers on this recording is a powerful band consisting
of bassist Carlos Henriquez, drummer Ludwig Alfonso, and
percussionist Samuel Torres. Each of the players is well-versed in Latin
styles as well as the language of contemporary jazz; together they present a
personal and unique take on Latin jazz.
As with all releases from the Criss Cross Jazz label, the music is
masterfully recorded and mixed. The rhythm section can always be heard clearly
but never drowns out the soloist. Likewise, the soloist is always firmly in the
foreground, but never at the expense of the rhythm section.
The music presented on Impromptu derives mostly from Afro-Cuban
styles and strikes an elegant balance between traditional rhythmic structures
and contemporary harmonic and melodic ideals. The two brothers’ musical chemistry
is on full display right from the first track, with Robert providing perfect
support Michael’s lively trumpet solo, then taking the track somewhere new
during his own imaginative solo. The rhythm section responds appropriately,
keeping a strong, omnipresent sense of groove while remaining aware and
reacting to the rhythmic drive of the soloist.
This strong sense of chemistry pervades throughout the album as the band works
through a variety of Cuban-rooted styles. “Descargation” centers
around a slow, simple tumbao, and lets the rhythmic push and pull of the melody
and soloists drive the tune. “La Guaracha” blends a winding, bop-ish
melody with the traditional fast guaracha dance rhythms. “Tu Mi
Delirio,” the only track not written by one of the Rodriguez brothers,
presents a beautiful, delicate bolero by Cuban composer Cesar Portillo de la
Luz and showcases Michael Rodriguez’s warm flugelhorn tone.
The album closer, “Minor Things,” begins with a fairly simple theme
and solos but then moves to a rumba clave coda section introduced with a
blistering montuno from the piano. In addition to the variety of Cuban styles
the band uses, “Love Samba” also presents a solid dose of Brazilian
rhythm with the brothers eventually adding their vocals to restate the catchy
melodic theme.
The strong writing and use of long-form composition help make this blend of
Latin music and jazz memorable, however it is the innate musical chemistry that
exists between the brothers that makes this music exceptional. Both are great
musicians in their own right but this collaboration yields a fruitful reward
and I hope we can expect to hear more of their work together in the future.
Andrew Luhn (All About Jazz)
