Francisco Aguabella
Ochimini
(CuBop)

Conguero Aguabella is a member of that exclusive group of Cuban percussionists whose strong influence, beginning in the 1950s, helped shape what would become know as Latin jazz, insuring the style's longevity and popularity to this day. Along with Mongo Santamaria, Candido, Armando Peraza and Patato Valdes, Aguabella provided rhythmic guideposts that kept a wide range of high profile employers close to the roots. In Aguabella's case, that long list of big name associates includes Dizzy Gillespie, Peggy Lee, Carlos Santana and the Latin rock band Malo.

Aguabella is one of the few of his generation still active as a recording artist. With his congas strong and upfront in the mix, there's no mistaking his booming sound and confident rhythmic ornamentation. His latest is a tasty batch of West Coast style Latin jazz, with strong mambo jazz and son montuno grooves framing a program of originals and the standard "Love For Sale." The group, featuring saxophonist Justo Almario and trumpeter Sal Cracchiolo, relaxes on a deliciously retro, bolero-style treatment of "Makin' Whoopee."

John Santos and the Machete Ensemble
Brazos Abiertos
(Machete Records)

For master percussionist Santos, every recording is an opportunity to further explore the vast realm of Afro-Caribbean rhythms. His Machete Ensemble has maintained a high standard of stylistic purity since its inception, favoring roots reverence over commercial considerations.

Trombonist Steve Turre and bassist Andy Gonzalez join Santos' stellar Bay Area collective, which features such renowned instrumentalists as timbalero Orestes Vilato, trombonist Wayne Wallace and saxophonist Melecio Magdaluyo. The album's 10 tracks, virtually all written by the leader, exemplify how expertly Santos can create modern, even avant-garde leaning orchestrations while maintaining rhythmic authenticity. "Mi Plena De Libertad" wouldn't sound out of place at any Puerto Rican party until the horns enter, led by Magdaluyo's bari. The merengue "Martinica" begins with a lovely prelude stated by Magdaluyo on clarinet before the familiar rhythm takes over and -- another twist -- Orlando Torriente sings a soulful ode to Dominican sugarcane workers in English before the horn section breaks into a blowing free-for-all. It's all another example of Santos at his most imaginative.

Henry Mora Orchestra
'Round Midnight
(Tropico Records)

It's not surprising that such adjectives as "driving," "powerhouse" and "sophisticated" pop up when the topic is this exciting, exceptional Southern California Latin jazz orchestra. Led by trombonist and arranger Henry Mora and staffed by largely unheralded musicians, the unit is a throwback to the days when economics permitted full size big bands to tour and record. Mora's orchestra begins where swing bands like Basie's ended, adding a full complement of vocalists and a full Latin rhythm section to the standard big band instrumentation of 16 to 18 musicians. The result is an explosion of tropical swing on a program salsa-rooted arrangements of jazz and R&B standards and old school salsa.

Seductive singer Bertha Oropeza handles the English vocals on such effective performances as "Lover Man," while Ruben Rodriguez steps up to the microphone for a scintillating version of Eddie Palmieri's "Puerto Rico." Throughout the program, Mora's extended mambo section vamps add orchestral interest to such standards as "Unforgettable" and the title track.

Chris Washburne and the Syotos Band
Paradise in Trouble
(Jazzheads Records)

With its three horn front line and conventional Afro-Cuban rhythm section, trombonist Washburne's Syotos band looks pretty much like any other standard brand Latin jazz group. But the similarities end there. With the exception of a couple of tracks like his own tipico -leaning "Nuyorican Son," the program on the group's third release moves quickly onto distinctly urban stylistic turf, with funk-grounded arrangements occasionally accented by West African-derived rhythms. The use of trap drums in place of timbales helps keep the funky vibe in the pocket. Another departure from the Latin jazz norm -- with the exception of an update of Willie Colon's late '60s "Jazzy," the repertoire is all original, featuring works by the leader, saxophonist Ole Mathisen, trumpeter John Walsh and keyboardist/trombonist Barry Olsen.

Tight horn ensembles set up most of the solos, and the soloists bring a modern jazz language to their excursions. Washburne, a music professor at Columbia University, has assembled a group whose members boast extensive work with many of the idiom's leading bands, including those of Barretto, Palmieri and Puente. The contributions of such guests as drummer Bobby Sanabria and percussionist Valerie Naranjo adds additional sonic colors to the group's sound. The net result: Washburne and The Syotos Band are among the most resourceful in moving the music in a new -- and welcome -- direction.

Hamleto Stamato Trio
Speed Samba Jazz
(BR Plus)

For his debut release, talented young Brazilian pianist and composer Hamleto (yes, that's Hamlet in Portuguese) Stamato revels in the benchmark style of swinging, hard-driving style of bossa nova that's best termed "samba jazz." Although the bossa craze of the early 1960s had long faded by the time this native of Rio de Janeiro was born, the genre remains an essential touchstone for any emerging Brazilian jazz pianist, and Stamato tackles it with zeal.

Bossa piano trios were ubiquitous in Brazilian cities during the style's high water mark and were influential in spreading the bossa gospel. The Tamba, Zimbo, Sambalanco, Jongo and 3-D trios, among many others, achieved a remarkable synthesis of jazz and samba. Stamato pays homage to this grand lineage through the inclusion of several works by Antonio Carlos Jobim. He expands and updates the samba jazz concept through the presence an original and his fresh arrangements of "Night in Tunisia" and Michel Camilo's "If You Knew." (Available from the artist at: stamato@terra.com.br )

Mark Holston writes about jazz, Latin and Brazilian music for Jazziz, Americas, Hispanic, Seis Continentes and other international publications. He is a voting member of LARAS and NARAS.

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