Pancho Sanchez: Latin Soul (Concord Jazz CCD-4863-2).

Pancho Sanchez: Latin Soul (Concord Jazz CCD-4863-2)

The word that comes to mind when I grasp for a one-word description of this recording is "robust." Latin Soul is robust in terms of performance, in terms of sound, and in terms of its Latin soul, which it has in abundance. Just listen to the fun these guys (Pancho Sanchez, vocals, congas, timbales, and percussion; David Torres, piano; Ramon Banda, timbales and chekere; Tony Banda, bass, vocals, and chekere; Jose Rodriguez, bongos, chekere, and congas; Sal Cracchiolo, trumpet and flugelhorn; Scott Martin, saxophones and flute; Francisco Torres, trombone; and Mike Witman, baritone sax) have as they tear into Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man," blowing and banging and tearing the joint up. Good stuff! This is a live recording, and it must have been fun to be in that audience--and hard to stay in your seat. The recorded sound captures the energy, of the group well, with explosive percussion and plenty of bass impact. Another really robust cut is their rendition of the Eddie Harris favorites, "Listen Here/Cold Duck Time." Plenty of energy, plenty of soul, plenty of robust rhythmic excitement--all in all, this is a hugely entertaining CD that will really give your system, and your booty, a good workout if you play it loud. - KWN