PAPO VAZQUEZ THE MIGHTY PIRATES - MAROONED/AISLADO (2008)

Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates "Marooned/Aislado" is a 20 Piece Afro-Puerto Rican Jazz Orchestra, in a live performance

Bruce Williams Lead alto sax, flute and soprano sax
Robert Landham 2nd alto sax and clarinet
Willie Williams 1st tenor sax, clarinet and 1st mate
Ralph Bowen 2nd tenor, piccolo
Jason Marshall Baritone sax and bass clarinet
Walter White Lead trumpet, flugelhorn
Albert Leusink 2nd trumpet, flugelhorn
Freddie Hendrix 3rd trumpet, flugelhorn
Nelson Jaime 4th trumpet
Eric Storckman 1st trombone
Luis Cruz 2nd trombone
Reynoldo Jorge 3rd trombone
Dave Taylor Bass trombone
Zaccai Curtis Piano
John Benitez Bass
Victor Jones Drums
Anthony Carrillo Baril de bomba, pandero, surdo, bongo
Juan Gutierrez Barril de bomba, and cuicharo
Camilo Molina Barril de bomba, pando, surdo, cua
Papo Vazquez Trombone

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review by Peter Watrous - courtesy www.descarga.com

The trombonist Vasquez moved a big band into the Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia in March of last year, and put together a recording that offers a blueprint for some of the possibilities in the mash up of jazz and Latin music. Vasquez, who spent years with Batacumble, called on some local talent, too, including the tenor saxophonist Willie Weeks; the solos cruise through the music, harmonically sophisticated and very, very cool. Vasquez has been a big proponent of Afro Puerto Rican music, and the orchestra gets into bombas and plenas, helped by the percussionists Anthony Carrillo, Juan Gutierrez and Camilo Molina; the great John Benitez holds down the bass. At times there’s a Mingus-like insistence to the music; check out "Blue Ray" and, surprisingly, "Pa’ Mingus." Mingus would have liked Vasquez, who can make the trombone talk. A major piece of work.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous, 2008-03-23)

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