Caribbean Jazz Project
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Encarnación
by Diana Duthie
Mar 27, 2008
Two unique powerhouse jazz bands, the Caribbean Jazz Project and the Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, have joined forces to create a one-of-a kind ensemble. Caribbean Jazz Project (CJP) has 15 years of stunning Afro-Caribbean beats and jazz proficiency under their belt including a Grammy Award and two Grammy nominations. Afro Bop Alliance Big Band (ABA) is an exhilarating new seven-piece Latin jazz group that has taken the jazz world by storm since their 2004 debut album, Encarnación.
The album was produced by Dave Samuels, the vibraphonist and leader of CJP, who wrote five of the tracks. Arrangements were done by ABA’s trombonist, Dan Drew, who refurbished material from CJP’s past recordings, recasting each tune through innovative and full-bodied arrangements to accommodate the big band experience of the collective group. Other signature CJP pieces showcased on the album were originally composed by Monk, Coltrane, Gillespie and Oliver Nelson, and sound revived with ABA’s horns bringing a level of energy that complements the CJP’s strong rhythm section in these bold big band renditions.
If you are into the Latin jazz scene or know a good beat when you hear one, this inventive blend of stimulating rumbas, sambas, and cha-chas with the audacious spirit of jazz improvisation will surely delight your ears!
Diana Duthie is the weekend music director at KUPS 90.1 FM The Sound.
