John Santos Tribute To The Masters CD

Most of the selections on this CD, the third from John Santos' Machete Ensemble, are from 1998-1999, but there are also four cuts from 1989-1990. Ranging from Latin bop (including "Tin Tin Deo," "Moose the Mooche," and "Salt Peanuts") and folkloric chant pieces to Latinized versions of Miles Davis' "So What" and John Coltrane's "Syeeda's Song Flute," the music is continually intriguing and inspiring. The key soloists include trombonists Wayne Wallace and Jeff Cressman, Melecio Magdaluyo on various reeds, pianist Rebeca Mauleon, and many percussionists. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

With The Machete Ensemble

Recorded at One Little Indian Studio, Richmond, California in 1990; Bay Records Studio, Berkeley, California in 1989-1990 & 1998-1999. Includes liner notes by John Santos & Greg Landau.

Adapter: Wayne Wallace.

Personnel: John Santos (quinto, piano, congas, bata, claves, guiro, shaker, percussion, gong, wind chime, waterphone); Rebeca Mauleón (vocals, piano, keyboards); John Calloway (flute, piano); John Calloway (flute); Rev. Ron Stallings (soprano saxophone); Melecio Magdaluyo (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Yosvany Terry (alto saxophone); Ron Stalling (tenor saxophone); Bill Ortiz (trumpet); Jeff Cressman (flugelhorn, trombone); Wayne Wallace (trombone, keyboards); Paul Wageningen (snare drum); Orestes Vilató (bongos, timbales, bells).

Audio Mixers: Al Eaton; Wayne Wallace.

Recording information: Bay Records, Berkeley, CA (1989-1999); One Little Indian Studio, Richm (1989-1999).

Arrangers: John Santos; John Calloway; Machete ; Rebeca Mauleón; Wayne Wallace.

Personnel includes: John Santos (vocals, congas, claves, guitro, percussion, programming); Rebeca Mauleon (vocals, piano); Ron Stallings (soprano & tenor saxophones, clarinet); Wayne Wallace (trombone, keyboards, programming); Jeff Cressman (trombone); David Belove (bass); Orestes Vilato (timbales).

JazzTimes (12/00, p.129) - "...A top-notch effort..."