Grupo los Santos - Lo Que Somos Lo Que Sea (2007)

In the tradition of the best Latin jazz ensembles, the quartet Grupo Los Santos have an immediately accessible and pleasing sound that is sure to appeal to many. Tenor saxophonist Paul Carlon and guitarist Pete Smith take care of the bright and spicy melodies, and while not expansive or elaborate, their music sits on the musical palate without tasting a burning sensation or blandness. The band refers to a variety of different sources, from straight Afro-Cuban son, descarga, and guajira, to Brazilian samba or choro, but this is an effort rooted in modern jazz. Carlon has certainly heard his share of Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, or Michael Brecker, and being the main non-chordal voice, is able to step up front and stay there with little reservation. His voice is clear on prime cuts "Rumba in the Bronx," "Clave 66," and the most energetic "Boogie Down Broder," the latter piece dedicated to the late trombonist Juan Pablo Torres. A typical minimalist repetitive tropical mode during "Happified," and the spirited "Guajira Santa" exemplifies this ultra-melodic approach. There's great fun in "Happified" and the descarga jam "Pedrito la Vaca," while a darker shade of blue is present on "Toreja Kulo," a heavier percussive piece accented by the tap dancing of Max Pollak. There are no airs or pretensions, no over-the-top vocals (actually, no vocals at all,) just good music played well. Interesting that thanks from the band go to the pianist Art Lande, not by any means a champion of Latin music, but a great musician who is very supportive of others. This is a recording worth searching for. © Michael G. Nastos