Impressions
Zoho, 2023
8/10
An artist who has produced 50+ album for musicians from Puerto Rico, Colombia and the U.S., Israel Tanenbaum creates his first Latin jazz solo album, and he brings along old friends who he grew up with in Puerto Rico for the 9 cultured tracks.
“Strange Destiny” opens the listen with vivid horns and eloquent piano amid the frisky percussion that benefits from the wordless vocal choir of Diana Serna, Gustavo Rodriguez and Daniel Silva, and “Hot Bridge” follows with no lack of grooves present that showcases Jonathan Powell’s bright trumpet, Felipe Lamoglia’s glowing sax and Angel Subero’s animated trombone.
Halfway through, the pace is trimmed back with the 3 minute piano interlude thanks to Tanenbaum’s elegant key prowess, while “Mambo Raro” showcases Daniel Neville’s vibraphone skills via the contagious rhythm.
Close to the end, the intimate “Steamy Patricia” offers a romantic balero thanks to the stirring piano, and “Vaya” exits with a lively danzón that spotlights John Benitez’s meticulous upright bass that makes an indelible impression.
Tanenbaum’s got a resume that no one could parallel, and here he adds a very personal body of work that’s dance friendly, heartfelt and worldly rhythmic.
Travels well with: Ben Sher- Samba For Tarsila; Dawn Derow- My Ship: Songs From 1941