In titling this album
Melaza ("molasses" in Spanish), tenor and soprano saxophonist
David Sánchez makes reference to the sugarcane fields of his native Puerto Rico. Noting that inhumane labor conditions produced an ironically sweet-tasting product,
Sánchez sets a political tone, which he makes more explicit by dedicating the disc to "the African extension, the indigenous peoples of the Americas and the community of Vieques for its years of struggle for peace." In keeping with this serious message, the music on the album, which draws deeply from Puerto Rican rhythms, possesses an extraordinary urgency. Co-produced by
Sánchez and
Branford Marsalis (who plays tenor on
Sánchez's epic "Canción del Cañaveral"),
Melaza is powered by
Sánchez's working band:
Miguel Zenón on alto,
Edsel Gomez on piano,
Hans Glawischnig on bass, Antonio Sánchez on drums, and
Pernell Saturnino on percussion.
Adam Cruz plays drums on three tracks;
Hector "Tito" Matos and
William Cepeda appear as guest percussionists.
Five of the eight tracks are
Sánchez originals; these include the hard-hitting opener "Puerto San Juan," the majestic "Canto a Loíza," the manic "Centinela," and the sly, swinging "Against Our Will."
Sánchez's tenor solos have never sounded more intense, and his band, sharpened by months of live performances, is one of the best. Bassist
Glawischnig contributes the lively and labyrinthine "Orbitando," which features
Sánchez on soprano and a monster percussion solo by
Saturnino.
Zenón's "El Ogro" is another fiery track, and
Milton Nascimento's "Veja Esta Cançáo" closes the album on a romantic note, with
Sánchez and
Gomez reaching lyrical heights. ~ David R. Adler