CHEMBO CORNIEL - FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE (2007)

Wilson "Chembo" Corniel Tumbadores, batá (okonkolo), quinto, talking drum,

cajón qiunto, shekere, clave, guataca, guiro, percussion
Ivan Renta Tenor sax, soprano sax
Ruben Rodriguez Acoustic bass
Tino Derado Piano
Vince Cherico Drums
Invited Guests: Grady Tate Vocal
Bobby Porcelli Alto sax
John Walsh Flugelhorn
John Dimartino Piano
Pedro Martinez Vocals
Lisa Maria Salb Vocals
Pedro Domech Vocals
Johanna Castaneda Vocals
Louie Bauza Batá (Iyá), cajones, palitos, shakers
David Gomez Batá (Itotele)
Jorge Maldonado Guira

more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels

Review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET

Chembo and Groupo Chaworo have produced a heavy hitting Latin Jazz album For The Rest Of Your Life, which takes flight from song one “Chaworo En La Calle” by John Walsh, who is also guesting on flugel horn  and right through to the final song of the album, number ten “Moon Temple/Ochun” a composition by Terado and Corniel. Chembo leads this group of excellent musicians with his spirited percussion accompaniment, his choice of material, production abilities and his gift of sharing the musical space that allows his band members and guest artists to shine with glowing performances.

The recording features wonderful drumming by Vince Cherico and percussion by some of the best New York percussionists, Chembo playing tumbadoras, bata, quinto, talking drum, shekere, clave, guataca, guiro and miscellaneous percussion instruments and doing so with ultimate good taste. Percussionist’, Louie Bauzo, David Gomez, Jorge Maldonado and Pedro Domech are all listed as guest artists and add a full and pleasing Afro-Cuban percussive wall of sound, nothing overwhelming, everything in moderation and designed for maximum rhythmic effect.

The song “Nuyorican Groove” by Ivan Renta the saxophonist of the band starts out with bassist Ruben Rodriguez playing a funky bass line, the line is recurring throughout the song and allows for some spirited percussive accompaniment. Renta lays down some impressive fills with his tenor saxophone, opening up and wailing with passion. Pianist, Tino Derado adds his own fills of delight with a mix of choppy syncopated runs and smooth flowing waterfall licks that motivate the percussionists to kick it up a notch. The song goes out with a battle of percussive ingenuity.

A highlight tune “Melodies” composed by Tino Derado, features just that, wonderful melodies. Derado takes the lead on piano and pushes the melody along with the rest of the rhythm section in perfect harmony. The song builds and flows, traversing into the melodious saxophone playing of Renta who plays in a style that captures the listener’s imagination, painting pictures of vividly beautiful soundscapes.

The singing, swinging, drummer, jazz icon Grady Tate makes a special guest appearance singing on “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life,” composed by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Mr. Tate performs the song with his trademark smooth tone and wonderful phrasing. Bobby Porcelli guests on alto saxophone, to add an element of jazz delight with complimentary phrasing and accompaniment in superb support. 

The CD, For The Rest Of Your Life is one of an excellent quality, the sound and production are top rated. The recording has a diversity of styles, a little bit of everything, excellent guest artists, a nice cross section of musical styles in the jazz, Latin jazz, Afro Cuban and Afro Brazilian styles as featured in the last two tracks, “Suena Negrito” and “Moon Temple/ Ochun.” There are original songs by Chembo, his band members and his guest artists. The band, Grupo Chaworo can play with serious heat, add to the mix some of these top rated guest artists that are featured and you can do no wrong, well worth a listen.

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