NEWS & EVENTS

The bandleading timbalero Bobby Matos delivers an assertive and rich fusion of Afro Cuban rhythms and hard bop on Gratitude, his latest recording for Dawan Muhammadd’s LifeForce Jazz label.

Featuring his talented Afro-Latin Jazz ensemble, the album conjures the influential feelings of musical spirits like Miles Davis, Tito Puente, Lou Perez, and John Coltrane.

It opens with the jazz standards All Blues and Autumn Leaves, which include special guest trumpeter Sal Marquez and vocalist Dee Dee McNeil, paving the way for some outstanding original works.

Bronx Trane is one penned by Matos that serves as a vehicle for the improvisational fire of Frank Fontaine, who is heard on tenor sax and bass clarinet, while Basses Loaded spotlights the talent of bassists John B. Williams and Edwin Livingston as well as that of conga drummer Robertito Melendez.

The Puente classic titled Mas Bajo and Lou Perez’s No Me Diga’ Na’ are danceable gems impressively accented by the strings of Danny Weinstein, a marvelous contributor who also plays trombone. Overall, Matos and his crew give thanks to their fans, and offer them some of the finest Latin jazz available on the left coast.

(JV) Latin Beat Magazine, November 2007

Bobby Matos “Gratitude” (LifeForce Jazz)

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