Album review: Carlos Henriquez - Monk Con Clave (self)

Carlos Henriquez (bass, leader); Jesus Ricardo, Michael Rodriguez, Kali Rodriguez, Nathaniel Williford (trumpets); Marshall Gilkes, Elliot Mason, Dion Tucker (trombones); Sherman Irby, Ted Nash (alto sax); Chris Lewis, Abdias Armentero (tenor sax); Paul Nedzela (baritone sax); Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Osmany Paredes, Robert Rodriguez (piano*); Obed Calvaire (drums); Bobby Allende (bongoes) + Jeremy Bosch (vocals, flute tks 3,4,10); Anthony Almonte (vocals tks 4,10); Pedrito Martinez (congas, vocals tks 4,6,7,10)

*Pianists: Rubalco (tks 1,3,6); Paredes (tks 2,4,9); Rodriguez (tk 7).

Another 're-imaging' album! This time it's Monk's music that's being laid siege to. Richard Baratta's Charlie Parker inspired Another Kind of Bird was, despite my initial misgivings, an unmitigated success that hit just the right balance between the old and the new.

Monk Con Clave is a less successful marriage although it's still a fine album. Indeed as big band Latin jazz recordings go it's as good as maybe even better than most bands working the same side of the street. However, even though the material began with Monk it does stretch the imagination to make the connection without the help of the blurb.

Having said all that let's tick a few boxes: The ensembles are a joy to listen to which isn't surprising as several of the players, including Henriquez, honed their craft with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Likewise the soloists: Michael Rodriguez's blistering trumpet, Chris Lewis on tenor, Ted Nash on alto, Nedzela on bari, all three trombones, Bosch on flute, the various pianists - they all contribute to the excitement generated by the pulsating Brazilian beat.

Think of the Monk connection as a bonus to the most authentic Latin sounds since Machito's Cubop City. Lance

'Round Midnight; I Mean You; El Son De Teo; San Juan Hill**; Ugly Beauty; Evidence of Four and One; Raise Four; Green Chimney**; Who Knows; Piano Azul/Blue Monk

** Composed by Carlos Henriquez.