Search - Jerry Gonzalez :: Moliendo Café

The real deal

Hector Reyes-erazo | 01/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great contribution to latin jazz. A genre too often ignored and marginalized by traditional or straight ahead jazz aficianodos, Jerry's Fort Apache demonstrates an unwavering allegiance to nuturing a seamless and natural synthesis of traditions. It is clear from every track on this lyrical work that Fort Apache has a deep and expressive affair for both Afro-Cuban-Nuyorican rhythms and American traditional jazz. Fort Apache's commitment to exploring and expanding hybrid musical possibilities is clearly evidenced by the consitstent high caliber of conceptualization and interpretation, as well as musical artistry. Whether blowing metal or striking skin, Jerry's artistry is based on a deep appreciation and understanding of jazz and love of both traditional jazz and Afro-Cuban music. Fort Apache is not some cliche we'll soon forget about in years to come. Many have yet to discover this great assembly of musicians and, music collectors 50 years from today will be listening and sharing their passion for Jerry's works with new discoverers of this genre. This guy is no wanna-be jazz musician. He's genuine and rightfully belongs right alongside Miles, Mingus, Gillespie, Coltrane, and of course the latin jazz ambassadors Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and Mongo Santamaria."

A perfect marriage of Latin and Jazz music.

George F. Haskins | Lancaster, PA, United States | 03/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What Jerry Gonzalez and Fort Apache have achieved here could just as easily be described as Jazz-Latin music because the two forms are so effectively and cohesively connected that the one doesn't dominate the other. It is quite simply the purest and most entertaining presentation of the art form since Cal Tjader's classic sextet ruled the roost, and that group included heavyweights Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Al McKibbon, Lonnie Hewitt and Chombo Silva. Like the Tjader group, Fort Apache delivers the goods. No tentative steps here. They go for it every time out, with interesting and risky arrangements. Not only can the band swing uptempo but Jerry's tender handling of the ballad "Verdad Armarga" is particularly moving. That tune has been running through my head for nearly forty years since I heard Eddie Palmieri's band do it. But no one has done it better than the rendition on this album.If you're a Latin-Jazz enthusiast, Fort Apache is a must for your collection. While I have every CD they've recorded, Moliendo Cafe is the album that convinced me they deserve an honored place among some of the great Latin, and Jazz musicians, who have preceeded them. I highly recommend this CD."

Cool, groovy and powerful (latin) jazz

Enrique | Puerto Rico | 02/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"my favorite latin jazz/jazz record... moliendo cafe is incredible from start to finish. "obsesión" and "verdad amarga" used to be my favorite 2 cuts, now i like them all and play the album all the way through! it is a shame that i should be the first one to write a review for this wonderful record on amazon, and it has been around for more than 10 years now... a very cool mix of latin + straight hard bop. jerry's playing is very melodic and beautiful (listen to his muted horn on "verdad amarga"), and his trumpet tone is incredible. this album made me want to pick up the trumpet and learn to play. moliendo cafe is definitely one of my desert island records. maybe it could be one of yours too! do yourself a favor and listen to it ;-)."