HENRY MORA ORCHESTRA - ROUND MIDNIGHT
A rich blend of salsa and jazz with the Big Band sound of the thirties and forties and a smooth dancing beat
Henry Mora Orchestra - Lover man
Henry Mora Orchestra - El menu
Henry Mora Orchestra - Round Midnight
Henry Mora Orchestra - Canto de el Pajaro
Henry Mora Orchestra - Cry me a river
Henry Mora Orchestra - Puerto Rico
Henry Mora Orchestra - Unforgettable
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Big Band lovers, you are in for a treat! Henry Mora's Salsa Jazz Orchestra hearkens back to the days when the Tito Rodriguez and Tito Puente Latin Jazz Orchestras rocked the Palladium 'til the wee hours of the morning with hot, scintillating Latin Jazz and Salsa. This offering by Henry Mora is no less scorching, and absolutely delivers.
Take "El Menu", that El Gran Combo hit from the Seventies - the tune cooks and simmers, and Henry throws literally "everything" in the pot, and brings it to a boil (note the flute work by Dave Victorino). His rendition of "Puerto Rico", Eddie Palmieri's and Ismael Quintana's unforgettable collaboration, just blows you away. It starts off nice and easy, but quickly rockets into the stratosphere with the trombones stating the melody a la "instrumental", but Ruben Rodriguez's vocals soon soar over the brass licks. George Mcmullen's opening 'bone solo swings, reminding me of the great Barry Rogers. The tribute to Monk, "'Round Midnight," as well as "Unforgettable" prove to be just that - unique and unforgettable. "Canto De El Pajaro" is a beautiful melodic piece that sets a slow, "smokey romantic" mood. "Cry Me A River" features the talented vocalist Bertha Oropeza, and she really does Henry Mora's "caliente" arrangement justice.
The Orchestra members are no less talented, and Henry allows his musicians to "stretch out and strut their stuff", something not often heard of in today's formula-driven Salsa.
All in all, the CD is a great piece of work, and worthy of a listen. Put it on, dim the lights, grab your honey, and hit the floor! A Gozar!
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