The more music that you listen to, the more difficult it becomes to find a truly outstanding piece of work. I find myself listening to a constant stream of new artists, multitudes of recent releases, and an ever-diversifying array of Latin Jazz styles. On the one hand, I love this overwhelming amount of music; immersion in a musical style brings you incredibly close to the genre and makes you intimately familiar with the music’s inner workings. On the other hand, patterns and formula become increasing apparent in a large amount of modern music. This isn’t always necessarily a bad thing; musicians that follow patterns and stay within the established norms often deliver good and even entertaining performances. After hearing a large number of musicians strictly abiding to the rules though, their musical statements seem to blend together into an indiscernible mess. One can definitely appreciate their performances, but a thirst for something with a little more substance starts to develop. When a recording with ample depth and style appears, it immediately radiates with a different type of quality. It leaps out of the speakers and grabs your attention. You stop your daily tasks and take the time to listen intently. It demands you attention, and you willingly turn it towards the music. The recording challenges you to listen repeatedly and most importantly, it leaves you with a fulfilling sense of inspiration. These are the true treasures that make extensive listening a pleasure that you gladly indulge.

One of these magical moments struck me recently when I received a copy of percussionist Chembo Corniel’s latest recording Things I Wanted to Do. From the first track, I was completely hooked on the album, consistently intrigued by the outstanding performances on the album. There’s a connection to tradition on every level – there’s no doubt that Corniel and each member of his band Grupo Chaworo understands the subtleties of Cuban and Puerto Rican styles. At the same time, the group sizzles with a New York edge that keeps an authentic jazz feel and an aggressive performance approach. The group radiates with a professionalism and experience rarely heard in today’s Latin Jazz world. Chaworo contains musicians playing in fine form and as a unit; they sparkle with creativity and style. Corniel wisely employed some of the New York Latin Jazz scene’s finest composers; in addition to outstanding work from his own group members, the album includes selections from Marty Sheller, Zaccai Curtis, John Walsh, Héctor Martignon, and more. Each track contains a solid performance, thought provoking improvisations, and a healthy does of inspiration. You can expect a full review of Things I Wanted to Do here at LJC, but for the time being, take my word for it, this one is a must-have!

Today’s Latin Jazz Photo Album finds Corniel & Grupo Chaworo celebrating the release of Things I Wanted to Do at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in New York. The pictures capture the group’s performance style perfectly; they resonate with focus and intensity. Corniel & Grupo Chawaro have shot to the top of the list of groups that I must see live! Thanks to Chembo Corniel for providing the pictures for today’s post and thanks to Jerry Lacay for his wonderful photography. Enjoy!

———-
Chembo Corniel & Grupo Chaworo At Dizzy’s

Chembo Corniel

Ivan Renta

Elio Villafranca

Carlos Derosa

Vince Cherico

Chembo Corniel & Grupo Chaworo Live At Dizzy’s

Chembo Corniel Hanging Out With Eddie Palmieri At Dizzy’s

———-
Looking for more from Chembo Corniel? Check out some of his older albums:

For The Rest Of Your Life

Portrait in Rhythms

———-
But wait, there’s more! We’ll be back tomorrow with more of The Latin Jazz Photo Album, once again featuring Chembo Corniel & Grupo Chaworo, so check back then!

———-
Do you have pictures to contribute to the Latin Jazz photo album? I’d love to have everyone in the Latin Jazz community contribute! I’ll be posting five to ten pictures a week - I’m looking for live performance shots, not promo pics. I’d like to keep them centered around one artist per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz photographers, musicians, and fans - let’s put some more memorable pictures in the Latin Jazz Photo Album! Get my contact info HERE

———-
Check Out These Related Posts:
Latin Jazz Photo Album: Bobby Sanabria & The Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra
Latin Jazz Photo Album: Charlie Sepulveda
10 Latin Jazz Perspectives On Freddie Hubbard
10 Latin Jazz Perspective On Charlie Parker

———-
Click here to have these posts delivered via email. Or, click here to subscribe to the full text RSS feed and never miss another post!

Stumble it!