Poncho Sanchez is back with a great collection of material written by jazz greats Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, John Coltrane and Horace Silver, as well as a couple of original compositions from within the band, all performed in the venerated traditional Afro-Cuban jazz style. The new release, Psychedelic Blues, is titled for a track composed by Sonny Henry who wrote Santana’s hit “Evil Ways” (also recorded by Willie Bobo). On recent albums (he has over 26 in addition to his recordings with Cal Tjader) Sanchez has shown a penchant for Stax R&B and Motown sounds, but on Psychedelic Blues he is back in his Be-Bop and Swing tinged Latin Jazz groove. Most of the musicians are long-time band members supplemented by guitarist, Andrew Synowiec (five Grammy nominations) and “Special Guest,” Arturo Sandaval, Dizzy Gillespie protégé and trumpet soloist on “Crisis,” the Freddie Hubbard tune.
The track list was conscientiously chosen to represent important elements and people in Sanchez’s life and life’s work. The Herbie Hancock hit “Cantaloupe Island” leads off and seems to be an obvious reference to another Hancock composition, “Watermelon Man,” which appeared on Sanchez’s Grammy Winning 1999 CD, Latin Soul. The second track was written by recently deceased trumpeter Freddie Hubbard who played as special guest on Cambrios, 1990. Track four is a tribute to one of Sanchez’s idols, Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist Willie Bobo. “Silver’s Serenade” was written by Horace Silver, a composer favored by Sanchez over the years. “Grand Central” represents the influence of John Coltrane in Sanchez’s musical palette. “Slowly But Surely” was written by influential jazz pianist and composer, John Hicks (recently deceased). And, the final cut, “Con Sabor Latino,” is by Rene Touzet, Cuban bandleader (also recently deceased) and the source of many of Sanchez’s childhood musical memories. “Con Sabor Latino” was the theme song of the only Latin disc jockey in Southern California at the time, Chico Sesma.
The whole album percolates, but highlights include: Sandoval’s trumpet solo on “Crisis”; Francisco Torres’ trombone work on “Canteloupe Island,” “Psychedelic Blues,” “Silver’s Serenade” and “Delifonse”; Synowiec’s guitar solos on “Canteloupe Island,” “Psychedelic Blues” and “Willie Bobo Medley.” Sanchez is rock steady as usual and contributes soulful vocals on “Willie Bobo Medley” and “Con Sabor Latino.” Also, regular band member, Ron Blake, not to be outdone by guest soloist, Sandoval, contributes a beautiful solo on “Slowly But Surely.” The horn arrangements by band members, mainly Francisco Torres but also David Torres and Ron Blake, are crisp and tight with rapid fire unison runs splitting into harmonious conclusions (“Delifonse”).
After so many years in the business and so much success, Poncho Sanchez does not succumb to the temptation to simply roll out just another session. The selections are well thought out and heartfelt. The regular band is impeccable and the guest performers are carefully selected. Psychedelic Blues stands as an excellent piece of work on its own merits.
December 5, 2009
