Eddie Palmieri

Sonido Solar

Truth Revolution, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sonido Solar

The globally praised pianist Eddie Palmieri brings along Jonathan Powell (trumpet), Louis Fouché (alto saxophone), Luques Curtis (bass) and Zaccai Curtis (piano), plus many others for the Latin jazz listen of standards and an original.

“Almendra” starts the listen with bright horns, plenty of rhythm and playful drums via the cultured melodies, and “Mambo Influenciado” follows with a lively energy that will get your body moving to the dance floor ready appeal.

In the middle, “Maria Cervantes” flows with soulful brass and very animated percussion, while “Morning” benefits much from Curtis’ skilled key acrobatics, as the eloquent sax prowess emits much grace.

Palmieri himself makes an appearance on 2 tracks near the end, where “Picadillo” blends the congos and his piano amid the well timed brass bouts, and “Suite 176” finishes with the firm horns, swift drums and adaptable keys.

Palmieri is considered ‘The Sun of Latin Music’, and these selections certainly mirror that sentiment with the ensemble putting a very thorough and imaginative spin on already great songs.

Travels well with: Eddie Palmieri- Mi Luz Mayor; Will Vinson- Tripwire