¡Bien Bien!
(Patois Records)
Grade - B+
¡Bien Bien! is the newest recording from the Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Ensemble and is an excellent release from the trombonist, composer, arranger, and producer.Wallace leads his quintet through a set of songs that have a Latin groove and a laid back, west coast vibe. Wallace does this by relaxing the tempo, compared to NYC-based Latin jazz groups, giving the album a sense of Wallace's San Francisco hometown.
Of particular note is the fine piano playing of Murray Low. Low's aggressive attack and understanding of Latin rhythms are reminiscent of the playing of the late Hilton Ruiz. Low really propels these songs to another level. The arrangements of Wallace are spot-on, as well. I particularly enjoyed Duke's "In a Sentimental Mood" reworked as a bolero. Ellington is ripe for this type of interpretation and Wallace showed taste and restraint in arranging this song. Wallace, by no means, takes a back seat as a musician either. His solo in Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance" is outstanding - he plays his solo and stretches and contracts the rhythm giving the song an ethereal feeling. This is no mean feat as in lesser hands the trombone can sound lumbering.
As for criticisms, I would have preferred the sound of an upright bass to a bass guitar on these tracks. On some songs it worked for me, on other's it was a distraction. I also thought that the arrangement to "Playa Negra" was a little too smooth for my tastes, reminding me of Steely Dan or 1980's-vintage Brecker Brothers. Despite this, I feel that this is Wallace's finest album to date and is a fresh take on Latin jazz.
Check out more on Wayne Wallace and ¡Bien Bien! at www.walacomusic.com.
