Mariposas Cantan
Saungu, 2020
8/10
A bandleader, songwriter and well known DJ, Jose Rizo started Mongorama in 2011, and this 3rd album brings in an esteemed band and plenty of guests on this mix of originals and covers that are soaked in Latin jazz and salsa sensibilities.
The album starts percussively strong with the feisty mood and strong rhythm of “Mambo Mindoro”, where Ramon Banda’s timbales makes an impression, and the title track follows with an elegant playfulness as James Zavaleta’s expressive pipes guide the dynamic musicianship.
Halfway through, “Quiero Menudo” flows with a cultured delivery, while “Mongorama” mixes fluid percussion, alongside tenor sax from Justo Almario. “Watermelon Man”, the album standout and a Herbie Hancock cover, then displays Darynn Dean’s strong vocals amid Joe Rotondi’s keys and Joey De Leon’s Congas
Late in the listen, “Como Fue” benefits greatly from flute and Yoshigei Rizo’s sublime pipes in the ballad, and “East L.A. Meets Napa” exits the listen with a festive spirit where background vocals complement the memorable finish.
The song “Mongorama” contains the last recorded solo from Ramon Banda, who passed away shortly after this record was made. An album dedicated to his memory, Rizo and company pull of an exceptional listen that any and all fans of Latin jazz will adore.
Travels well with: Arturo O’Farrill And The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra- Four Questions; Negroni’s Trio- Acustico