Things I Wanted to Do by Chembo Corniel & Grupo Chaworo (CD, 2009) Latin Jazz

Description: There is nothing like a swinging, stomping Latin-Jazz record laden with sensuous clave and robust horns and relentless, driving percussion to stir the senses. And this is exactly what Wilson “Chembo” Corniel brings to life with Things I Wanted To Do. And this is also one more step in the journey for Corniel on his way to join the rarified space occupied by the likes of Tata Güines, Pancho Quinto, Long John Oliva and many others. Much of this has to do not just with Corniel’s wonderful abilities as percussionist, but also because of his ability to make music with his cohorts which is new and memorable. On Things I Wanted To Do Chembo Corniel makes short work of the exuberance of Latin American music. He swings from flamboyant to thoughtful and extreme virtuosity on “The Sultan,” a track that the great Marty Sheller wrote with him in mind. The restraint here is admirable. And this stands him in good stead as he leads from the front. And this is a powerful quintet that he leads. The group includes Iván Renta on tenor and soprano saxophones who is especially memorable on “Tenia Que Ser Asi.” Then there is Vince Cherico, who brings that hard edge and filigreed drumming approach to the music. Pianist Elio Villafranca is outstanding throughout this recording. Villafranca, not only a soloist with a voice of his own is fast becoming a first-call sessions pianist and he is highly adept at eschewing the flash and showmanship that comes so easily to many pianists these days, replacing this with feeling and emotion instead. There is ample evidence of this especially on the extraordinary “Isla Verde.” And bassist, Carlos DeRosa is solid as a rock! Things I Wanted To Do showcases all of the group’s formal rhythmic structures from cha-cha to classic son and rumba, with “Oru Pa Tommy Lopez” being a beautifully pure ritualistic percussion ensemble conversation with God. But there is also a spectacular array of music here. For instance Chembo Corniel stretches wonderfully on Ludovic Beier’s “Swing Street,” a track on which Beier’s accordion adds a superb harmonic twist to the ensemble sound. “Descarga Patato” and “The Sultan” are also tremendous vehicles for Corniel. “Fantasma,” although somewhat dark in tone is bewitching and beguiling and is riveting as it progresses languorously towards its denouement. Tracks – Buena Gente; Habana; September Cha; Tenia Que Ser Asi; Descarga Patato; The Sultan; Things I Wanted To Do; Isla Verde; Swing Street; Fantasma; Oru Pa Tommy Lopez. Personnel – Grupo Chaworo: Iván Renta: tenor and soprano saxophone; Vince Cherico: drums; Carlo DeRosa: acoustic bass; Elio Villafranca: piano, Fender Rhodes; Chembo Corniel: tumbadoras, Batá (Okónkolo), all percussion Guests – Dave Samuels: vibes (4); Ludovic Beier: accordion (9); Jimmy Bosch: trombone (5); David Oquendo: guitar (3); John Di Martino: Fender Rhodes (10); Rubén Rodríguez: acoustic bass (4, 10); Tino Derado: piano (4); Gennaro Tedesco: lead guitar (7); Octavio Kotan: rhythm guitar (7); Junior Rivera: tres (5); Frank Fontaine: flute (5); Marvin Diz: timbales (3, 5, 10); Nelson Jaime (Gazu): string arr. and player (4); Pedrito Martínez: Batá {Itótele} (1, 2, 6, 11), vocals (2, 5, 6, 11); Ogduardo Román Díaz: Batá {Iyá} (1,2, 6, 11), vocals (2, 3, 5, 6); Iliana Santamaria: vocals (2, 5, 6). Combined shipping discount on all items unless otherwise noted. Just use the add to cart option and proceed to checkout when done. Please note that the Buy It Now button voids the discount. See the shipping link for more shipping options.

Price: 7.99 USD

Location: Old Saybrook, Connecticut

End Time: 2024-11-24T03:50:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.25 USD