An intoxicating mix of Latin Jazz, Salsa, Rhumba and Samba with passion and energy
Casey Greene - Saxophone and Flute
Simon King - Guitar
Daryl Pratt - Vibraphone
Edgar Macias, Pete Beresford and Bill Rosby - Piano
Roger Inniss, Danny Preston and Emile Nelson - Bass
Carl Hemmigsley and Con Settineri - Drums
Wilmer Sifontes and Sunil DeSilva - Percussion
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Review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET
Quiver, a band based in the United Kingdom has been working on their jazz chops for some time as is quite evident from their debut recordings title track “Cous Cous.” The song has a funky smooth jazz groove flavour with Latin overtones care of conguero Wilmer Sifontes. The CD has ten tracks that are an interesting mix of Latin jazz influences, highlighting some great playing by the aforementioned percussionist as well as, pianist Edgar Macias, guitarist Simon King and the leader Casey Greene, playing saxophone (tenor, alto and soprano) and at his very best, when letting go on flute.
Casey Greene writes all of the songs on Cous Cous with the exception of one, “The Latin Way To Africa” composed by percussionist Wilmer Sifontes. The liner notes for the song only credit Sifontes as the musician on this track, it sounds like a small percussion ensemble, choose a Latin percussion instrument and Sifontes sounds like he has incorporated into his playing. The song makes for a nice percussion interlude that travels from Cuba to Africa in just over three minutes.
The song “Licorice” features Casey Greene on flute, he starts out with a rapid fluttering, ascending and descending through the mid range of the flute, he is joined by the band after about four bars of this delectable flute solo, a catchy Salsa rhythm develops, Greene continues playing inspired flute over the rhythm making way for some fine guitar soloing by Simon King. The pianist on this track Edgar Macias, also fires down an impressive upbeat break, with tasteful runs and solid percussive playing. This is a driving, excitement-filled song that is a treat to listen to.
Many of the tunes are high energy Latin dance band inspired, a few break away from the mould and provide for a mellow listening pleasure such as the ballad “Getting Closer” that features bassist Danny Preston intoning a great bass intro with passionate resonating lines. The rhythm section led by percussionist Sifontes provides a great backdrop for Mr. Greene to smoothly paint a picture of soprano saxophone delight.
The highlight track of the album, “Bougainvillea” is the final song, the hook, every CD needs a hook, and Cous Cous is no exception. This song will make you want to come back for more, a song that blossoms into an intricate, tightly woven tapestry of Latin jazz big band excitement - featuring the exceptional voice of Mr. Greene on flute, inspired playing, very nice.
