Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars Vol. 2

Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars Vol. 2

The Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars is a once-in-a-lifetime group that performed for one sweaty night on January 7, 2000. The gig marked the 10th anniversary of DJ Jose Rizo's popular "Jazz on the Latin Side" radio show, broadcast on Los Angeles jazz station KLON. Rather than just assembling the cream of L.A.'s Latin jazz scene and turning them loose for the night, Rizo actually brought everyone together for rehearsals to learn a bunch of his original tunes, as well as some well-chosen covers. And what a band it is: Poncho Sanchez, Francisco Aguabella, Justo Almario, and many others. Their extra effort in preparing so well for this gig shows through brightly in these tight performances, where the horn charts have punch and the rhythms are lean and uncluttered. When the band stretches out for a 20-minute version of "McKibbon Walks the Talk" (named after bassist Al's last name), they truly reveal their talent--as well-schooled as any jazzmen, these Latinaires have the chops to turn the tune inside out without ever losing their way. The second volume of material from this night, this chapter is just as compelling as the first. <I>--Tad Hendrickson</I>