Search - John Benitez :: Descarga in New York

An astonishing debut by John Benitez

09/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a stunning debut by bass player John Benitez and his trio. The band explores the full spectrum of Pan-Latino rhythms with an incomparable sense of style and direction.The title "Descarga in New" York refers to a Latin instrumental jam improvised over a mighty bass-riff; an ideal vehicle for Benitez to display his "chops" on the acoustic and electric bass. Benitez and his multi-cultural trio consist of: Cuban drummer, Dafnis Prieto who is fast becoming one of New York' hottest drummers and Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo (who contributes 5 compositions to this recording). Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (son of the legendary John Coltrane) and percussionist Richie Flores are the featured guests.A native of Puerto Rico, Benitez attended San Juan's performing arts high school, "Escuela Libre de Musica," (saxophonist David Sanchez was a classmate) the University of Puerto Rico and the Conservatory of Music. He has played with the legendary Fania All-Stars, Roberto Roena and his Apollo Sound and Batacumbele, a hot, experimental Afro-Rican band that featured many of Puerto Rico's top musicians.Since he moved to New York in 1993, Benitez has been featured with Willie Colon, Tito Puente Eddie Palmieri, Wynton Marsalis, Roberto Carcasses, Mongo Santamaria, Conrad Herwig, Arturo O' Farrill, Ray Vega, the Mingus Big Band, Roy Hargrove and David Sanchez.From the outset the trio displays a focused musical vision beyond their years. The recording opens with "Nuevo Montuno," a sizzling tune that sets the tone for this project. Benitez (who arranged all the music) and crew are not shy about interspersing their material with political commentary as well. For example, "Descarga Vieques" refers to the U.S. bombing off the coast of Puerto Rico and "Procession" speaks about the arrival of African slaves in New York. On the lighter side there is "B. Smooth" and the (Charles) Mingus inspired "Positano."Benitez is an adventurous, gifted leader who demonstrates that bigger is not always better. He has the distinction of being the first artist to debut a recording on the KHAEON label. Kudos to KHAEON records for having the farsightedness to allow Benitez and his trio to do it their way."