Festive Interplay
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
A composer, arranger and bassist, Angel Roman knows his way around a jazz tune that flirts with Afro-Latin sounds, pop, soul and funk, and here he brings 10 originals of his inimitable formula with a large cast of esteemed Austin players.
“Why Not” starts the listen with plenty of energy, as Jose Aponte’s fluid drumming complements Nicholas Litterski’s quick keys and the soaring brass present that gets funk friendly, and “Collective Cha” follows with Joel Guzman’s key acrobatics and Samuel Lopez’s cultured percussion adding much diversity to the timeless rhythm.
“Never Far” claims the middle spot and emits much sublime beauty as the soulful sax and John Mills’ dreamy flute work together cautiously in the ballad, while the upbeat and playful “Not Sure So Sure” showcases the ensembles Latin influences with much precision. “3 Sisters” then focuses on the piano, where Carmelo Torres’ percussion works fluidly alongside the 3/4 time.
Close to the end, “Indi-Go-Go” displays Brannen Temples’ frisky drumming that aligns with Damian Garcia’s meticulous piano and the dynamic brass amid the Brazilian nods, and “Who Knows Maybe Tomorrow” exits the listen with a gorgeous and warm spirit guiding the bolero that offers an incredible solo.
This is the 4th album from Roman and Mambo Blue, and, like everything they’ve done, it’s rhythmic, worldly and illustrates all the hallmarks of jazz that we can never tire of in its very distinct and accomplished vision.
Travels well with: Ray Obiedo- Latin Jazz Project: Vol. 2; Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever