At some point in their artistic development, every Latin Jazz musician must study the genre’s forefathers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, or Tito Puente. After the study is over, the musician must decide to approach tradition as a museum curator or an active experimenter. The museum curator creates replications of “classic” material, trying to closely imitate the original works. This requires a great deal of technical skill, but it limits creativity to the given model. The active experimenter fuses past musical concepts with new ideas, creating an original product rooted in history. Bobby Sanabria clearly takes on the role of active experimenter in his release Big Band Urban Folktales.

Sanabria’s band applies an astounding array of rhythm section feels and arranging techniques in daring directions. “El Lider” moves Jazz harmonies through an authentic Bomba with Buleador soloing and then a funkier version with a Disco rhythm on the drum kit. The rhythm section travels through a Bolero, a Samba, and a Jazz Waltz on “O Som Do Sol” pulled together by the piece’s melodic invention. The regular use of clapping, shouting, and band vocals bring out a Mingus feel to many of the songs. Sanabria even introduces progressive rock into the Latin Jazz world with a version of Frank Zappa’s “The Grand Wazoo”. This unexpected song thrives as it explores a Bembe rhythm, a Rumba Guaguanco, a Blues Shuffle, and even some Free Improvisation. The arrangements on this CD explore Latin, jazz, and more, reflecting an impressive musical depth in the band.

Innovative arrangements are the starting points for these musicians, as they consistently deliver inspired performances. Dueling trumpets battle through a Comparsa rhythm on “El Aché De Sanabria En Moderación” eventually evolving into a Bembe rhythm for Peter Brainin’s searing soprano sax solo. Vocalist Charneé Wade boldly creates a CD highlight with her version of “Since I Fell For You”. She sings through a Bolero with the emotional strength of a classic Jazz vocalist, and then when the band breaks out a Cha Cha Cha vamp, Wade scats with a soul that would make Ella Fitzgerald proud. Sanabria himself displays a diverse musicianship on “Blues for Booty Shakers” with a vibes solo over a standard blues Swing. The band performs with variance and professionalism that constantly conveys excitement and surprise.

Big Band Urban Folktales reflects Sanabria’s understanding of upholding tradition through risk and experimentation. That was the soul of the forefathers; musicians like Gillespie, Puente, and Machito attempted to bring different musical heritages together into something unique. That set them apart from their contemporaries, and in turn, that bravado creates an individual voice for Sanabria’s Big Band. This recording has more in common with the “legends” than many of the stale tributes that have come before. It sets the bar higher through Sanabria’s integrity, knowledge, and experimentation – and it adds one more important listen for musicians considering their artistic identity.

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