Latin Jazz at MAC650 is ON!

On Tuesday evening, Feb 10th, the MAC650 Latin Jazz Workshop held its first session of the Spring 2009 season. The new ensemble of local and student musicians gathered to “woodshed” some classic and unusual Latin jazz arrangements. It was great to have both novice and professionals interact without pressure, trying out rhythms from guarachas to to chachachas, from extended guaguancos (jams) to rumba and samba-inflected interpretations. Saxman David Davis, along with bassist and radio host of WESU’s “Rumba en el Patio,” Michael, were joined by percussionists Gregg Allen and Ron Shepherd.

Playing charts, including Dizzy Gillespie’s “Manteca” and Mongo Santamaria’s “Come Candela” and “Para Ti,” there was room to grow and for the music to flow! A reading of Carla Bley’s “Ojos de Gato” also gave the group a chance to lean into the more experimental and fusion side of Latin jazz, a la the Gonzalez brothers’ Fort Apache Band. And, of course, Colombian music director and guitarist Jorge Arévalo Mateus brought in a cumbia medley version of Monk’s “Well You Needn’t” and Freedom Jazz Dance,” inspired by Mingus’ foray into cumbia, as heard on “Cumbia and Jazz Fusion”
(Atlantic SD8801; reissued on Rhino 71785).
With the participation of the young violinist Brian Stevens, the group even flirted with charanga, the Cuban flute and violin driven sound made popular by Johnny Pacheco, Pupi Legaretta, or, more recently, Alfredo de la Fé. All we need now are some flutes!

The MAC650 LJW ensemble got off to a great start—and may even have an opportunity to perform in public. Our next session is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24rd at 7 pm. So mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you on the hot side of Middletown, the North End!

Jorge Arévalo Mateus