Winner: Pedrito Martinez - Con Alma, Mark Weinstein

Pedrito Martinez’s broad knowledge of Cuban popular and folkloric styles makes him the perfect fit for Mark Weinstein’s Latin Jazz concept, a fact proven completely on the 2007 release Con Alma. Martinez’s ability to maintain a forward propulsion, explode into a virtuosic solo, or play against jazz improvisations served the album well, providing the traditional color necessary. As a accompanist, Martinez creates an unstoppable swing; from the up-tempo son montuno feel on “Stella By Starlight” to the funky cha cha cha of “Soul Leo” or the driving 6/8 on “Santi’s Africaleidescope,” Martinez and his congas remain a major presence on the album. He remained busy throughout 2007 performing with Steve Turre, Charles Flores, and his own ensemble, Ibboru, among others. His performance on Con Alma solidified his standing as a major Latin Jazz percussion influence during 2007, keeping LJC readers glued to this outstanding recording.

Who Else Scored Well: Orestes Vilato - Papa Mambo, The John Santos Quintet

Master percussionist Orestes Vilato left a major mark on the music through his work on the 1907s New York Latin music scene, but his influence continued to sound on the 2007 release Papa Mambo by The John Santos Quintet. For many years, Vilato has infused his legendary sound into the Bay Area Latin Jazz community, recording and performing with The Machete Ensemble, Rebeca Mauleon, and John Calloway. At the same time, he maintained a wide visibility in the larger community, contributing to music from Israel “Cacaho” Lopez, Omar Sosa, Carlos “Patato” Valdes, and Gloria Estefan. As a member of The John Santos Quintet, Vilato serves as both an anchor and creative spirit - he consistently maintains a firm root in tradition while playing with a youthful exuberance. His work on both timbales and bongó helped propel Papa Mambo into a world-class outing that showcased the Bay Area’s best musicianship.

Winner: Marlon Simon - In Case You Missed It, Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits

Marlon Simon wore many hats when organizing his 2007 release In Case You Missed It - bandleader, composer, producer - but perhaps Simon the most prevalent impact this year behind the drum kit. His position as a drummer allowed him to wear all these hats simultaneously - he guides his musicians through complex compositions, interacting and conversing with them on every level. His application of Cuban rhythms on the drum kit were varied - the timba influenced feel of “Pa Los Morillo” to the straight Latin Jazz cha cha cha version of “Home Cooking” or the odd meter alterations on “Manicero” - yet his integrity and intensity remained at a high level throughout each track. At every point in the recording, he never sacrificed any piece of the Cuban or jazz traditions; his drum kit work held each genre to its own aesthetic standards. At the same time, he raised the bar for drum kit performance in Latin Jazz, creating a new standard for the future.

Who Else Scored Well: Bobby Sanabria - Big Band Urban Folktales, Bobby Sanabria

Drum kit player Bobby Sanabria brought together a variety of influences to create his 2007 release Big Band Urban Folktales - a complete knowledge of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Brazilian rhythms, a rich immersion in traditional jazz, a love for rhythm & blues, as well as a big dose of Nuyorican soul. Sanabria’s approach combines his extensive studies of each music with his undying passion for the artform and broad performance experience. Sanabria’s drumming reflects a multi-faceted concept - embracing the past while moving towards the future. He maintains the tradition of the best big band drumming throughout the album, regardless of style; he constantly directs, compliments, and drives the band at all points. At the same time, Sanabria never hesitates to expand his sites, integrating funky variations, free blowing, and unique arrangement techniques. His performance during 2007 truly bridged the gap between tradition and innovation, creating a musically memorable statement.

Tomorrow will be the last day of results - we’ll be focusing upon the 2007 Next Generation artist and Album of the Year. See you then!

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