Power
Subcat, 2025
9/10
A long running outfit with a penchant for World Music ideas, Grupo Pagán recruits some excellent guests for these 10 originals that don’t shy away from fusion nods.
The rhythmic title track opens, where Edgar Pagán’s lively bass and soaring vocals are met with Emedin Rivera’s frisky drumming and plenty of animated percussion, and “Milagros” follows with Jim O’Mahony’s soft guitar and Bill DiCosimo’s moody keys adding much to the distinct intimacy.
Halfway through, “Oye ese ritmo” features Jimmy Haslip on keyboards amid Pagán’s expressive singing for the heartfelt delivery, while “Padrino” allows for Dave Donley’s atypical percussion to unfold via a mesmerizing quality.
“Give To Receive”, the album’s best tune, lands near the end, and makes great use of Melissa Gardener’s vibrant horn alongside the colorful melodies, and “Camila Vida Mia” exits with Irv Lyons Jr’s fluid guitar and soulful backing vocals that complement Shane Patterson’s thumping drums and worldly energy.
Another excellent installment of Grupo Pagán’s work, the meshing of funk, blues, jazz, Timba and Latin rhythm makes for a globally enjoyable effort that few others could parallel.
Travels well with: The Beveled Edges- I Guess We’re Not Alone; Wayne Alpern- Gotham