The
Caribbean Jazz Project has built its reputation by forging a colorful blend of Latin and Caribbean styles. Whether one references
Dizzy Gillespie's pioneering work, or more recent work efforts in Afro-Cuban jazz, the
Caribbean Jazz Project seems comfortable exploring and stretching the genre. Although the band's lineup has continued to evolve on Birds of a Feather, vibraphonist
Dave Samuels, trumpeter
Ray Vega, percussionist
Robert Quintero, drummer
Dafnis Prieto, and bassist
Ruben Rodriguez remain from the original incarnation. A number of guests, including trumpeter
Randy Brecker, guitarist
Romero Lubambo, and drummer
Mark Walker help fill out the arrangements. With all of the high profile talent here, it's important to remember that Birds of a Feather worries less over standout solos than the overall tapestry.
Lubambo offers a lovely lead in
Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me a Bed Time Story," while
Samuels' vibe solo shines in "Minor Mood," but in both cases the instrumental work is carefully woven into the overall fabric that is the
Caribbean Jazz Project. The
Project also explore
Charles Mingus' "Weird Nightmare," along with a number of
Samuels' originals. While it's impossible to guess if this disc will receive the same Grammy winning attention as
The Gathering, fans will nonetheless be treated to the same enticing Latin mix they've come to expect from the band. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.