Fiesta At Caroga
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The 8 members of The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective bring their fusion ideas to this traditional Afro-Caribbean meets modern jazz formula, where plenty of festive ideas unfold.
“Descarga 2” opens the listen with playful percussion from Stephen Busath, Sebastian Nassar and Brian Shank, as warm brass enters with timeless jazz qualities that emit much culture, and “Xiprona Cha Cha” follows with José Guzmán’s cozy guitar amid Eric Devey’s soulful trumpet that’s rich with rhythm.
“El Canaveral” and “El Volcán” land in the middle, where the former radiates a sublime intimacy thanks to Brian Stark’s dreamy sax, while the latter meshes the bright horns with much melody.
Arriving near the end, the soft and agile “Carino” benefits much from Ian Stewart’s well timed bass amid the hazy gestures, and “Baile Bailekita” exits with a celebratory mood via the lively rhythm section and lush brass- especially Ben Weisger’s trombone.
Each selection here pays tribute to salsa sounds, and will resonate globally with much intrigue thanks to the animated textures, worldly grooves and improvisational abilities.
Travels well with: Aguankó- Unidad; Vincent Venezia- The Venetian