CD REVIEW
“Transcend” 
Mark
Holston
A
decade ago, during the peak
of the most recent explosion of interest in class Latin jazz and salsa, an
artist of the technical virtuosity of Puerto Rican conguero
Paoli Mejias would have been a headliner on any a number of
labels. A change in the marketing tastes however, has not
deterred this enterprising young percussionist from striking
out on his own. This exceptional session is his follow up effort to
his 2005 Latin Grammy nominated release Mi Tambor,
and it exceeds all expectations.
Those who shy away from
albums headlined by percussionists (perhaps fearing too much
groove and not enough structure) should be reminded that
many of the best Latin jazz releases of the past 50 years
have been fronted by congueros or timbaleros: Tito Puente,
Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Ray Barreto, and Giovanni
Hidalgo, among many others. Mejias is no exception. He
romps confidently through nine tracks that range from
roots-conscience avant garde-tinged works to hard-swinging,
straightahead salsa.
Anchoring the rhythm section
are pianist Luis Perdomo, drummer Antonio Sanchez, and
bassist Hans Glawischnig, with saxophonists Miguel Zenón and
Jaleel Shaw providing the frontline firepower. Mejias
blends with marvelous effect descarga (jam session)
rhythmic currents with out-leaning soloing by Perdomo and
the two sax men. Sanchez’s crisp trap drum work fits hand
in glove with the leader’s work on congas and other hand
percussion. Tracks like “Pasaporte” and “Conflict of
Interests” fulfill the jazz side of the equation, while such
works as “El Leon” provide a blast of progressive salsa
dura (hard salsa), with veteran sonero Jerry Medina
delivering passionate, soaring vocals.
Transcend indeed
transcends any narrow definition of Latin Jazz.
