THE CRAIG RUSSO LATIN JAZZ PROJECT - IN THE MIDDLE (2008)
The music comes from the middle of two related, but distinct music cultures: jazz and Afro-Caribbean music. The symbiosis of styles results in a fresh mixture of modern jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms
Chip McNeill – tenor saxophone (1-3, 6-10), soprano saxophone (4,5)
Tito Carrillo – trumpet (2, 7-10)
Jeff Helgesen – trumpet (1, 3-6)
Chip Stephens – piano
Josh Walden – bass
Craig Russo - drums (2,5,6,9,10),
congas (1-5,7-10), güiro, chékere, other percussion (1,3-10) bongo (6)
Jeff Magby – drums (1,3,4,7,8), congas
(6), timbales (1,4)
Ricardo Flores – Brazilian percussion
on Doña Maria (2)
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
Review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET
The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project has produced a recording In The Middle that is definitely beyond being in the middle of anything. In The Middle is much closer to the top of the Latin jazz form, energetic, spirited playing, with solid musicianship, percussion heavy, but that is what you would expect from a drummer, percussionist like Craig Russo, he is joined on the project by some great horn players, Jeff Helgesen, Tito Carrillo, (trumpet) and Chip McNeill (saxophone).
The album features ten tracks that are very diversified, mixing Latin tunes with jazz standards, not so standards and a few originals by The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project band members. Chip McNeill contributes two of the originals, “Arrival” and “A Visit To The Bob” while Chip Stephens (piano) contributes one song “Chip’s Vision” an adventure in multi tempo, multi groove harmonic exploration that features some dynamic soloing by trumpeter Carrillo and saxophonist McNeill. Stephens is a percussive pianist with heavy handed chords that fill out the sound and allow for rapid, intricate runs of the most pleasing sounds. A piano player in the style of a Chucho Valdez, Hilario Duran or a Gonzalo Rubalcaba, very exciting playing - with that wonderful compliment of jazz expression meets Latin spirit.
The saxophonist Chip McNeill adds much more than the above mentioned two songs, he brings an inspirational high energy spirit to every song he is featured on. A player who no doubt picked up some of that spirit from his association with the high energy big bands of Arturo Sandoval and Maynard Ferguson. McNeill attacks every song, even on his original; the smooth, Latin groovin’ “Arrival” McNeill’s solo is performed in a sophisticated manner with the restraints thrown to the wind as his tenor saxophone produces a melodic high register serenade of delightful elegance. One of the highlight tunes “Rumble, Young Man, Rumble” a Monte Croft composition, features some wicked piano playing by Chip Stephens that pushes the rhythm section and spurs on McNeill who lets his soprano saxophone burn with intense, rapid fire, gut wrenching playing all over the harmonic landscape.
The percussion tune of the project, a ride through the jungles of the Amazon “Dona Maria” by percussionist Duduka da Fonseca, features guest percussionist Ricardo Flores, with drums by Craig Russo. The tune starts with a drum set introduction and is joined by a percussion bombardment and rapidly progresses to fill in with horns and a festive party like atmosphere that gets funky in a samba like groove. The samba groove allows McNeill to blow up a storm with tenor sensibilities that remind me of the great Joe Henderson.
The song “Besame Mucho” is a beautiful interpretation by The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project featuring the fine drumming and percussion of Russo. The song flows smoothly with tender treatment by the rhythm section, starting with a minimalist touch Russo sets the mood through lush sounding cymbals, solid time and contra rhythms of syncopated motion. The bass playing of Josh Walden is solid, driving and always pushing the foundation in a supportive manner, the trust is strong and allows for the standout performances of the soloists who reach for some outside travels knowing the foundation is in good hands. The rhythm section throughout this project is very good, drummer percussionist Jeff Magby adds his Latin style to many of the tunes, drumming on five tunes and playing conga on one song and timbales on two songs including the exciting “Rumble, Young Man, Rumble.”
The final song of the album In The Middle is one of the jazz standards, “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” it’s performed in a fast tempo, high energy jazz mambo style that leaves you wanting more of The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project.
