CARIBBEAN JAZZ PROJECT
Paraiso
Concord Picante
After two albums with Paquito D'Rivera and steel pan player Andy Narell, vibraphonist Dave Samuels made some changes to his ongoing Latin project by inviting flutist Dave Valentin and guitarist Steve Khan to join the fold. The resulting recording, Paraiso, is one of tremendous subtlety and interest – a band that features vibes and guitar, but no piano, is unusual in Latin jazz.
Initially, Paraiso seems to fit the mould of many Concord Picante recordings – smooth, easygoing tunes from the likes of conguero Poncho Sanchez (who appears here in the rhythm section). Upon further listening and deeper investigation, there is considerable depth.
In addition to compelling compositions by Samuels and Khan, there are a couple of standards here for good measure. John Coltrane's ballad "Naima" receives a detailed treatment in a fine arrangement from Samuels with a nice flugelhorn from Ray Vega. Juan Tizol's Latin standard "Caravan" (from the Duke Ellington repertoire) receives a tour de force trombone solo from Conrad Herwig.
A nuanced recording from three seasoned jazz veterans.
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