Jam Miami: Celebration of Latin Jazz
As if to remind anyone who's forgotten his roots, Chick Corea re-connects here with his past, when he was pianist forWillie BoboandCal Tjaderin the 1960s, and a catalyst for Brazilian fusion in the 1970s. Playing a Fender Rhodes piano throughout this 10-song live session, Corea reminds one more of Latin jazz masterClare Fischerthan the adventurous soloist who always keeps his music on the edge. WithArturo SandovalonMongo Santamaria's "Beseme Mama," Corea recalls his days with Return to Forever.The disc opens with all the pots boiling on "Soul Sauce" and "A Night in Tunisia," two standards byDizzy Gillespie, the godfather of Latin jazz. Corea, Sandoval,Poncho Sanchez, and formerSpyro Gyravibes player David Samuels are all featured with fiery solos, with Sandoval trading high-flying riffs with fellow trumpeterClaudio Rodition the latter tune. A tribute toTito Puente, who was originally a part of this jam before falling ill,Jam Miamifeatures two former members of his group, flutistDave Valentinand trumpeterRay Vega, as well as Escovedo, who, with Puente's death, may be the leading timbalero in Latin jazz. The theme from "I Love Lucy" and Corea's own "Wigwam," featuring members of his band Origin, are among the sparkling highlights of these long, solo-rich numbers. And smoke from the smoldering percussion riffs probably will linger in the South Florida night for ages.--Mark A. Ruffin