ELEKTRA/MUSICIAN MONTH (FEBRUARY 2023)
I think of David Amram more as a composer than a multi-instrumental jazz performer (among many examples, none other than Leonard Bernstein chose Amram as the New York Philharmonic's first composer-in-residence back in 1966). Nevertheless, this album is a fun ride; described at Allmusic as "frequently explosive and always infectious music." A lot of credit goes to the supporting players here, including noted jazz names such as Paquito d'Rivera, Pepper Adams, and Fathead Newman.
Latin-Jazz Celebration was about 10 years ahead of its time. If this album - with its ocarinas, wooden flutes, loads of percussion, and a tune about the rainforest - had been released during the early '90s world music craze, it probably would have moved a few more copies. I like the thing, I just have to be in the right mood to enjoy it.
Ratings:
- The Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide (1999): ★★
- The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks: Included in the album package are notes on each piece from Amram himself and they are much appreciated. The music shows great knowledge of Latin music's instrumentation and styles, but the music is definitely a celebration, not clinical or academic. The album title is appropriate as the cuts celebrate many different types of Latin music, written in and/or about Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and indigenous peoples of North and South America - all composed with cultural appreciation and respect - plus a scorching cover of Take The 'A' Train. In addition to A Train, my picks for top tracks are New York Charanga and Brazilian Memories. The final track is a 2½ minute Amram monologue regarding his philosophy of music.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
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