Search - Bobby Ramirez :: Bobby Ramirez: Ritmo Jazz Latino

Ritmo Jazz Latino - A new direction

Gregory Fisher | Adelaide, Australia | 12/27/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There is no doubt that Latin and Afro-Cuban music is enjoying a wave of renewed popularity throughout the world. Flute and Saxophone player Bobby Ramirez has recorded a CD which identifies some of the directions which this music may move though a fusion of "Ritmo Jazz Latino". Basically this a move away from the emphasis of the clave rhythm while retaining the essential Latin American rhythms of the music. Bobby Ramirez on flute and tenor saxophone is joined on the eleven tracks on this recording by a variety of other artists. These include Abel Pabon, Silvano Monasterios, Daniel Zaremba, Mike Orta (Piano, Keyboards), Manny Patino, Nicky Orta, Ramses Colon (Bass), Archie Pena, Ruben Jiminez (Drums), Perry Colon, Carlos Planas, Tony Verdejo, Freddy Lugo, Ray Ray (Congas/Percussion), Feliciano Gomez (trumpet), Nicolina Ferrentino (Baritone Sax), Seth Ines (Trombone), Victor Espinola (Harp) and Juan Areco (Guitar).By its very nature the broad scope of music covered on the CD will hold some appeal to many listeners while to others the appeal may not hold for every track. The opening self-penned "Sao Paulo" leads the listener gently into this musical fusion with a lilting rhythm and the familiar sound of flute and congas . Another Ramirez composition "Mambo Chereke" builds as it is explosively punctuated by the rhythm section. On tenor sax Ramirez sounds fully in control of the familiar Santamaria tune"Afro Blue" and on "Historia De Un Amor" 'smokes' as a ballad player. Bobby returns to flute for Mancini's "Days Of Wine And Roses" whch moves at a fast clip as does the original samba "Song For Maria". "Just Friends" features Bobby on vocals and saxophone as the group works its way through this familar tune.To a lesser degree the following pieces did not completely work (to my ears) for a variety of reasons. "La Comparsa" felt far too restrained, in parts, in its execution; "Uno" sounded more like a recital piece then a fully formed communication; "Corcorvado (Quiet Nights)" was marred by over recording of voice and piano detracting from its normally associated gentleness; "Anciedad" while beautifully executed, sounded somewhat out of place on this recording. If you love the exciting sounds of Afro-Cuban/Latin music, mixed in with some more gentle sounds, including lots of tasty flute, sax and rhythm then this may be the recording for you. This certainly is a good recording debut. If Bobby concentrates more on the area covered by the seven tracks indentified as outstanding then his next recording will be excellent. More information on Bobby Ramirez and this recording can be found on the internet."