By Erik Chico Manqueros
The Latin Style of Jazz
This past Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Scott Martin CD release party at Spaghettini's Jazz Club in Seal Beach, CA. Scott was celebrating his CD Release of 'Menudo & Gritz' wow...what a treat! These guys are wonderful to hear live.Scott had a great line -up of musicians for the event including:
Personnel: Scott Martin- tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, vocals, synth; Stan Martin- trumpet, flugelhorn; Andy Martin- trombone; Tyler Martin- baritone saxophone; Dave Martin- trumpet; Rick White- guitar, vocals; Rene Camacho- bass; Ramon Banda- drums; Joey DeLeon- congas; Alfred Ortiz- percussion; George Ortiz- timbales, percussion; Chris Barron- piano, organ.
Track Listing: Menudo and Gritz; Bettin' on a One Eyed Jack; Listen Up; Unchain My Heart; Quarter Moon; Just Don't Want to be Lonely; Abuelo; Sunny; Funky Flute; Stuff; Ojah; Watusi Boogaloo.
Scott is a tremendous talent and possess a great sound on Sax & Flute. His work is well documented on many of Poncho Sanchez's CD's including some of Scott's compositions.
I really enjoyed hearing the whole group perform the new & old material from both CD's. Ramon 'Mon' Banda did an excellent job on drums and I enjoyed the interplay between him and Conguero Joey De Leon. Great work..!
Scott's last CD 'Cafe Cubano' was
swinging and original and the new one 'Menudo & Gritz' really tears
it up and it is a must have...!! Sort of a Mongo Santamaria meets Tower
of Power meets Willie Bobo that gets
real funky!
They do some very nice originals and covers of Willie Rosario's "Watusi Boogaloo" and the Jazz classic "Sunny" done as a Cha-Cha with Scott on vocals. Very smooth.
So if you like your Latin Jazz on the soul and Funky side be sure to pick up a copy of the new CD at www.scottmartinjazz.com
You can also hear samples of the tunes...
Check out the swinging Latin Soul Funky Jazz of Scott Martin and his Latin Soul Band...you will not be disappointed..!
Scott's brand of music is hip and fresh yet reminiscent of that classic material from the 60's.
All the best, and keep enjoying Latin Jazz...!!!
