PONCHO SANCHEZ
Conga Caliente (Concord Picante)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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By the time the two albums that make up this double-disc package were recorded in the late eighties, Poncho Sanchez' octet had solidified into one of the strongest Latin jazz ensembles on the scene. The albums in question, 1988's Fuerte! and 1989's La Familia, show off the talents of the group and the leadership skills the master conguero learned during his tenure with the late Cal Tjader, who encouraged Sanchez to strike out on his own even before his mentor passed away.

The music here is representative of the group's output, which means it's exemplary Afro-Cuban jazz, with strong rhythms and impressive solos. Particularly impressive is the conga work of the leader and the trombone work of Art Velasco, but every player makes an important contribution and every track makes a favorable impression. This twofer is an excellent way to build up or begin a collection of recordings by Pancho Sanchez.

Track Lists:

Disc One - Fuerte!: Fuerte * Baila Mi Cente * It Could Happen To You * No Llores, Mi Corazon * Ixtapa * Co Co My My * Siempre Te Amare * Alafia * Daahoud

Disc Two - La Familia: La Familia * Cuidate Compay * Mambo Inn/On Green Dolphin Street * Senegal * El Conguero * Well You Needn't * Campechama * Mambo Pa T * A Time For Love * Let A Woman Be A Woman, Let A Man Be A Man

© 2002 - Shaun Dale