Afro Bop Alliance: Camino Nuevo

Latin Beat Magazine, April, 2007 by Jesse Varela

AFRO BOP ALLIANCE Camino Nuevo (Jazz Maniacs)

Afro Bop Alliance is a Washington, DC-based Latin jazz combo that, since its debut release in 2004 (Encarnación), has proven to be a musical force to be reckoned with. This CD, Camino Nuevo, recently received the award of Best Latin Recording by the Washington Area Music Association. Understandably so, as the septet is tight as nails in its ensemble delivery by laying down solid solos, alongside such special guests as Poncho Sánchez and Dave Samuels. For the most part, the repertoire is comprised of jazz standards (arranged for a three-horn frontline) that showcase the talents of its collective membership. Joe McCarthy shines on Seven Steps to Heaven, riffing nicely on the famous stop time Miles Davis theme. Dave Samuels plays marimba, alongside violinist Paula McCarthy, on Chick Corea's Armando's Rhumba, for a beautiful textural shift. Poncho Sánchez guests on Peruchín, a tune from his early days with Concord Records, and takes a strong driving solo. Saxophonist Luis Hernández swoons on the bolero-ballad In Love in Vain, while Félix Contreras, the renowned National Public Radio correspondent, adds great sounds on congas and bongó throughout. Tim Stanley (trumpet), Dan Drew (trombone), and Harry Appelbaum (piano) provide lots of ear candy, with Max Murray (bass) anchoring the tunes. If you are a Latin jazz fan, give this album a chance. It is full of energy and swing, and serves as a great calling card for one of the best new groups ascending onto the national jazz scene. (JV)