Sonando Tres CD

Here's an interesting item. A Latin jazz release from Seattle. What makes it interesting is that Sonando is able to incorporate both the idioms of Latin jazz and the subtlety and grace that's fast becoming the hallmark of the Northwest jazz scene. The pieces here are a mix of originals and pieces from around the jazz world (Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Abdullah Ibrahim), rearranged as needed to fit the desired style. It's the seamless combination that makes it complete here though. There's no screaming horn section, no overpowering congas, but the horns are most certainly there, the congas ever present. Instead of the same tropical piano playing in every Latin release, there's a well-designed modern jazz piano solo. Instead of the blaring frontline, there's a post-bop sensibility in the horns. They can show off speed and skill in their solos, but ever so fleetingly and in service to the larger work. It's understated Latin jazz, punched-up post-bop, not something you'll find everyday. But certainly something worth finding. ~ Adam Greenberg

With their 3rd release, Sonando continues their unique approach to combining the elements of Afro-Cuban Music with modern jazz. Teaming with Bay Area percussionist/producer Michael Spiro, the octet presents an impressive assortment of interpretations of

Audio Mixer: Fred Hoadley.

Recording information: California St. Studios, Seattle, WA (10/2005-03/2006); Music Works Studios, Bellevue, WA (10/2005-03/2006); SB Studios (10/2005-03/2006).

Author: Fred Hoadley.

Arrangers: Michael Spiro; Fred Hoadley; Joe Ford.

Sonando: Fred Hoadley (tres, piano); Barney Brazitis (marimbula, electric bass); Ben Verdier (bass instrument); Chris Stromquist (drum set); Jim Coile, Jay Thomas, Chris Stover, Tom Bergersen.

Personnel: Michael Spiro (quinto, congas, guiro, bells); Fred Hoadley (tres, piano, electric piano); Jim Coile (flute, tenor saxophone); Richard Cole (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Jay Thomas (soprano saxophone, trumpet); Chris Stover (trombone); Barney Brazitis (marimbula, electric bass); Chris Stromquist (drums, bata, guiro, maracas, timbales, bells); Tom Bergersen (congas, bata, claves).

Additional personnel: Clipper Andersen (bass instrument); Scott Pauker (congas, bata); Steve Smith (bongos); Matt Dressler (cajon drums, bata, bell); Michael Spiro (bata); Richard Cole, Ben Thomas.