…and Sammy Walked In (Savant Records Inc)
Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion
Released June 7, 2005
Grammy Nominee for Best Latin Jazz Album 2006
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About:
Conguero/percussionist Sammy Figueroa heads a sextet on this date that sounds like a Latinized version of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The music is essentially hard bop, featuring solos from trumpeter John Lovell, saxophonist John Michalak (who is replaced by Tyler Kuebler on two of the ten selections), and pianist Michael Orta. Of the lesser-known material, the “I Got Rhythm”-based “Eugenology” is most memorable and the other highlights include Cedar Walton’s “Bolivia” and Chucho Valdés’ “Mambo Influenciádo.” The final number, “Duermeté Mi Cielito,” features Figueroa unaccompanied, singing and playing percussion. Hopefully Sammy Figueroa will be able to keep this accessible and swinging group together for many years, keeping alive the traditions of both Art Blakey and Tito Puente.
Track Listing:
1. Syncopá O No 4:27
2. Niko’s Dream 7:48
3. Bebé (Hermeto Pascoal) 7:20
4. And Sammy Walked In (Michel Camilo) 4:44
5. Eugenology 4:21
6. Mirage (John Lovell) 6:19
7. Bolivia (Cedar Walton) 6:33
8. Swimming Gaia 6:02
9. Mambo Influenciádo 4:43
10. Duermeté Mi Cielito 2:41
Personnel:
Sammy Figueroa: congas, percussion, vocals; HangPan (10)
John Michalak: flute, saxophone (1-3, 5, 7-10)
Tyler Kuebler: saxophone (4, 6)
John Lovell: trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion
Michael Orta: piano, keyboards
Nick Orta: bass
Götz Kujack: drums
Recorded at Outline Studios, North Miami, FL (1, 2, 9), by Richard Seratta; Afterhours Recording Studio, by Hal Batt (3-8)
Produced by Rachel Faro & Sammy Figueroa
Executive-Producer: Sammy Figueroa & Helge Sasse
Mixed by Ron Taylor (1-3, 5, 8, 9), Hal Batt (4, 6, 7) & Cezar Santana (10)
Photography by Joe Winchester
Design: Brad Wrolstad
Review:
Conguero/percussionist Sammy Figueroa heads a sextet on this date that sounds like a Latinized version of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The music is essentially hard bop, featuring solos from trumpeter John Lovell, saxophonist John Michalak (who is replaced by Tyler Kuebler on two of the ten selections), and pianist Michael Orta. Of the lesser-known material, the “I Got Rhythm”-based “Eugenology” is most memorable and the other highlights include Cedar Walton’s “Bolivia” and Chucho Valdés’ “Mambo Influenciádo.” The final number, “Duermeté Mi Cielito,” features Figueroa unaccompanied, singing and playing percussion. Hopefully Sammy Figueroa will be able to keep this accessible and swinging group together for many years, keeping alive the traditions of both Art Blakey and Tito Puente.
Scott Yanow (AllMusic)