Con Alma

MARK WEINSTEIN: Con Alma
Jazzheads, 2007

LATIN JAZZ FLUTE – Veteran performer Weinstein draws precise melodic lines and tight ornamental spirals across this jaunty, standards-laced set of straight-ahead latin jazz. While the band keeps things on an even keel, the leader dives headlong into knotty solos and pyrotechnics.

Fo’s Picks: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11

1. 7:02 – buoyant medium groove: flute takes off, tasteful piano, quick bass
2. 4:10 – based on “Giant Steps”: trips lightly, very tricky flute solo
3. 5:17 – relaxed, slinky groove on a classic tune, elegant round of solos
4. 6:32 – Coltrane tune: spiritual intro, then flute dances like a butterfly
5. 6:02 – relaxed, streetwise take on Wayne Shorter, nice percussion
6. 3:14 – uptempo, dodges and feints; lots of percussion, flute is all over it
7. 6:13 – relaxed and oh-so-cool, nice piano groove and great flute
8. 2:53 – sneaky groove: bass flute gives a cool sound, fine percussion
9. 8:55 – happy modern standard, skips merrily along, good ending
10. 5:56 – mid/uptempo, seems to float in place, good piano, lots o’ drums
11. 5:35 – bright, cheery closer: nice rolling groove, exuberant solos

[ Fo ] 11-Nov-07