Songs Del Yucayeke
Picaro, 2024
8/10
The Grammy Nominated Papo Vazquez returns with his 11th disc, where his band, Might Pirates Troubadours, are along for 14 new selections of his jazz fusion ways.
“NYP 9 Hudson” opens with Vazquez’s vibrant trombone alongside Rick Germanson’s flowing keys with plenty of worldly flavor, and “Guaracatu” follows with Alvester Garnett’s fluid drumming that complements the brass and percussive climate.
Elsewhere, the lively mood of “Dos Tito’s” welcomes Carlos Maldonado’s timbales to the rhythmic album highlight, while “Gate Of Lost Souls” trims the pace back with intimacy via the graceful keys, soulful trombone and Ivan Renta’s well timed tenor sax.
Closer to the end, “Donde Esta al Amor” is an intimate instrumental that tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the soft and romantic musicianship, and “End Percussion Jam” is deeper still, where acrobatic drumming and percussive prowess unfold with incredible attention to detail.
A skilled display of Puerto Rican folkloric music and plenty of other Afro Caribbena sounds, Vazquez and company continue to make some of the the most exciting Latin jazz that exists today.
Travels well with: Greg Chako- Standard Roots; Olin Clark- Ephemera