Patois Records
2008
Infinity
About This Album
Trombonist Wayne Wallace gathers strength in numbers through his previous large-ensemble jazz and Latin projects, tapping on local West Coast resources to expand the language of his instrument and the music he favors. For this recording he effectively harmonizes with himself by utilizing double- and triple-tracking for the same end result, making his tenor and alto trombone or Wagner tuba sound like a full brass section on several selections. He employs the elegant and skilled vocalist Jackie Ryan on two tracks and a vocal choir for another two, and faithfully stays within the Afro-Caribbean tradition of music mined by Papo Vazquez, Steve Turre, and Chris Washburn. Wallace has picked a wonderful rhythm section that perfectly exemplifies ideal teamwork, with percussionist Michael Spiro, bassist David Belove, drummer Paul Van Wageningen, and especially the exceptional pianist Murray Low to shape these original tunes and standards beautifully, within the framework of classic Cuban rhythms. The title track is a gem, a cool song featuring sharp accents and percussion inserts in a montuno/descarga sauce. The tumba-tumbao swing "Songo Colorado" features the lead vocal of Orlando Torriente with a chorus of singers, joyous and alive -- a tune that makes you wanna holler "yeah!" Dedicated to brothers Jerry and Andy Gonzalez, "TBA" starts with a single trombone that is multiplied by overdubbing, and displays the most refined piano playing from Low.
Track List (try tracks 1,5,6 and 9)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.