…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)