ROBERT NAVARRO - CAMINANDO (CD-2009)

Exciting Latin Jazz Rhythms

Richard Bravo Drums, percussion
Jerry Bravo Bass
Alex Duque Bass
Pedro Alfonso Violin
Edwin Torrez Timbales
Rainer Marin Guitar
Robert Navarro Piano

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review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for VINILEMANIA.NET

A new album from Latin jazz pianist Robert Navarro, "Caminando Vol. 1, Tropical Jazz". I’ve been to the tropics and I’ve never heard music played like this. This is exciting, intricate, intense jazz with Latin infused rhythms and inspired by jazz standards. Mr. Navarro is an exciting, strong pianist with a style that is a mix of classical, blues stride and bebop. You can hear elements of Byard, Powell, Harris, Peterson, and Duran in his playing. While his arrangements are fresh, new and vibrant. The CD is made up of eight tracks, only one is an original composition of Mr. Navarro’s, the title track “Caminando” and it is a scorcher. There are four jazz standards that hit the mark and the balance make for some exciting Latin dance tunes (fast tempos) so you better be a good dancer. 

The opening song “Caminando” may be a tribute to one of Robert Navarro’s teachers. The style and energy of the composition - as well as the piano playing are reminiscent of the great Jaki Byard. Showing incredible intensity and great diversification. The song is made up of a solid Latin rhythm. The piano breaks are heavily jazz inspired. The addition of violinist Pedro Alfonso lights a fire on the composition that allows the song to soar to great heights. 

The jazz standard “Night In Tunisia” gives the group ample opportunity to improvise with abandon. Starting on the second verse Mr. Navarro is off on a tear and he doesn’t look back. Ripping arpeggios up and down the keyboard and slamming home staccato like chords he carries the song into an inspired bass solo by Jerry Bravo. The drummer Richard Bravo lets fly in express mode, high energy percussive dynamics that take the song through to closing. 

Some traditional Latin cha-cha-cha in the song “Campanitas De Cristal” provide for easy listening pleasure and booty shaking rhythms. Mr. Navarro is never far away from laying down the most pleasing of sophisticated piano playing. The song “C.T.” is another Latin based song in a Salsa style that gets a strong and steady groove happening. There is one more that blends Latin with fusion and kicks up a high energy storm “Sabroso”. With a screaming guitar feature in a Santana style the guitarist Rainer Marin lets rip smooth runs. 

 "Caminando Vol. 1, Tropical Jazz" comes to a close with a Latin inspired “All The Things You Are”. The percussionist Richard Bravo lays down a rapid double time tempo in a salsa groove while Jerry Bravo plays the melody on electric bass and Robert Navarro adds runs of sophistication. A great arrangement by the bassist that gives both listening and dancing pleasure.