Long John Oliva's AC Jazz Project

Latin Beat Magazine, April, 2003 by Rudy Mangual

Lucumi (Orishas Records)

This new CD by percussionist/bandleader Long John Oliva and the AC Jazz Project displays the percussive talents of this Havanese master drummer--Oliva was raised in Belén, home of the traditional Afro-Cuban rumba. Taught by his father and master drummer Pancho Quinto, Oliva followed in the steps and styles of master percussionists Carlos "El Niño" Alfonso, Tata Güines and José Luis "Changuito" Quintana. Proficient at playing rumba as well as jazz or world rhythms, Oliva and crew unveil a repertoire of cutting edge and eclectic rhythms and sounds from the Caribbean, the jazz world, and the liturgical palette of Yoruba music. The result is what Oliva calls "rumba jazz," as he refers to himself as a "jazz rumbero." The recording features special guest musicians Ornar Sosa on piano, vocals and all the arrangements; Orlando "Puntilla" Ríos on lead vocals and percussion; José "Changuito" Quintana on drums, timbal and percussion, and Jesús Díaz on percussion and vocals. Favorite tracks include Saradanga, El Solar de la Cueva de Humo, Si Cubano, and Zarabanda Culle. (RM)