WILLIE RODRIGUEZ - "LIVE AT WILLIE'S STEAK HOUSE" (2008)
Latin Jazz pianist Willie Rodriguez adds his unique New York style to this live CD recording
Willie
Rodriguez Piano, vocals
Andy Gonzalez Bass
Nicky Marrero Timbales
Rolland Guerrero Congas
Richie Mely Bongos
Dave Valentin Flute
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
review by Bruce Polin - courtesy www.descarga.com
Here's a nice surprise: It's a beautiful and danceable Latin jazz
release by veteran pianist
Willie Rodriguez. Rodriguez, the
pianist for the Johnny Pacheco Orchestra, leads an ensemble that
plays regularly at Willie's Steak House in the Bronx. This steamy,
intimate and heartfelt live session is packed with drive and sabor.
The band is made up of Rodriguez' long standing rhythm section:
percussionists Rolland Guerrero and Richie Melo, Andy Gonzalez on
bass, timbalero Nicky Marrero and, guesting on this session, Dave
Valentin joins in on flute. They play some covers like "Green
Dolphin Street," "Sabor a Mi" and "Lamento Borincano" in addition to
original tracks like Rodriguez' own "Meet Me at Willie's." Listen to
Marrero make his timbales sing on that track. Willie's Steak House,
Live! is very well recorded, keeping that up-close and personal feel,
and makes me pine for those days when New York City was full of
clubs that hosted real players like these. A total pleasure.
Highly Recommended. (BP, 2008-03-24)
