Search - Ray Vega :: Squeeze Squeeze

Ray Vega, emerging monster Nu Latin Jazz figure

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 04/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He's no spring chicken. But he's got a rare, even unique, take on Latin jazz. Grounded in a tradition of absolute probity, including stints with Ray Baretto, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Mario Bauza, and just about anyone and everyone of importance on the Nueva Yorquian Latin jazz scene, Vega has emerged with his second Palmetto disc as a leader with a huge, looming presence, right up there with the very top practitioners of this wonderful music, such as Ed Simon, Miguel Zenon, and Danilo Perez. The tricky thing about Nu Latin jazz is to make it happen in such a way that it's true to its Latin roots without slavishly reproducing them, AND to see that it is mapped onto an authentic jazz aesthetic effortlessly. Sound easy? Well, it's not. For one thing, you've got this huge Eddie Palmieri/Irakere/Pancho Sanchez thing to contend with. How are you gonna advance this music and still remain faithful to its traditions? Well, the aforementioned Simon, Zenon, and Perez have figured out how to do that. And so has Ray Vega.For one thing, I think it's great he's on the Palmetto label. They're on the small side (so they take good care of their artists), they're hungry, and they've got quite a line-up of fine young jazzers. With sharp, edgy labelmates such as Matt Wilson, Joel Frahm, Ben Allison, Ted Nash, Frank Kimbrough, and others, Vega finds himself in very accomplished, cutting-edge company, players who are his peers, but also players who, unless he stretches himself, will outdistance him. That doesn't happen here. Frontline mate Bobby Porcelli on alto sax, who has years of experience in the Latin jazz trenches, meshes seamlessly with the leader. Igor Atalita (piano), Gregg August (bass), and Adam Weber (drums and percussion), names new to me, provide a smart, sophisticated rhythm backing that always seems to find just the right context to bring out the inherent dynamism of this altogether engaging music.If he keeps turning out music of this caliber, Ray Vega just might emerge as THE contender for the new Latin jazz heavyweight title. Stay tuned for more installments."

Absolute knockout

R. J. Marsella | California | 11/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is not a weak track on this CD. Vega is a fabulous trumpet player and the the tunes included here incorporate his latin roots with a jazz sensibility that is truly rare. The tempo changes are intricate and always interesting. Vega's supporting cast on this recording sound tremendous and the alto playing of Bobby Porcelli is one of the biggest surprises I've come across in quite a while. He just smokes on his solos and blends beautifully with Vega's playing in the ensemble parts. What a treat to find a little known Cd on a small label and be just blown away by it. This guy's got the goods. I can't wait to hear more from him."

Squeeze, Squeeze Please

Arthur Manukyan | Los Angeles, Ca. USA | 09/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fantastic Album by Ray Vega. Beutifull trombone and trumpet work. One of the best latin jazz prodictons. A must to any good Latin as well as Jazz collection"