L’Ensemble Abricot
Now, this is an album that I’ve been looking for for a long time, and was so relieved when I finally found the vinyl… After hearing a clip of the song Chonga from this group, I was hooked! This is the same song, as written by Vladimir Vassilief from his album “New Sound in Latin Jazz” on Alegre records. This version however, is quite different and has a very earthy garage-ish sound. I love it! It really sounds like real music made by real people without particular concerns. These guys just made their own sound and believed in it. At least that’s how it sounds and that’s what I believe.
This album has two great guaguancos and two boogaloos one of which also goes into a sped-up boogaloo a.la. the peruvian and colombian boogaloos. Great!
This group comes from Martinique and this album was most likely only released locally, but what a great release it is. These guys should have been heard outside of the island too.
Have a listen, people:
- Chonga - Just love love those heavy breaks and the solo on trumpet and then another sick break into that piano solo. Roland P. Charles is they man commanding those keys. What suspense after that last break! great release into the piano solo. The highlight of the album and one of the best versions of this song ever recorded. This arrangement is just amazing.”Mira como baila ella este guaguanco. Baila suavecito Chonga…”
- Baila Guaguanco - Sweet guaguanco again with excellent breaks. Well, what can I say, I just love those r’s. Que rrrrrrico saborrr…
Also nice are:
- Boogaloo Esta En Algo - Nice boogaloo with interesting arrangement that breaks into faster and slower parts.
- Se Quedo Boogaloo - Straight up boogaloo of their own flavour.
I also love the bolero Comver Vergencia, great to listen to on a Sunday afternoon. Great flavour, pana.
Vaya,
- Guachi
1 comment July 14th, 2008