BILL O'CONNELL Latin Jazz Fantasy (...

BILL O'CONNELL Latin Jazz Fantasy (Random Chance)

Bill O'Connell is a talented pianist whose take back includes stints with Dave Valent?­n and Charles Fambrough. His excursions as a leader proceed back e few years within the realm of straight ahead jazz, unless it was his Back Sand release for Random Chance last year that place him to on the Lat?­n jazz map. O'Connell's sophisticated vision, knowledge and creativity, resonates onward Latin Jazz Fantasy. Performing in a variety of settings, from intimate duo to en orchestra, he is joined on Bob Ma]ach (on tenor sax and a bit of clarinet) as special visitant A seasoned player, Malach brings a puissant improvisational voice that creates compelling solos

The opener Barcelona, is en orchestral piece with Malach forward clarinet. The strings and melodies are impressionistic within a variety of views giving the listener a perception of scenery. Milton Cardona plays congas and ch?©kere upon the piece, with flutist Dave Valent?­n playing a section part. From there, it's a rude frolic through a variety of humors rhythms and dynamics. The duo with Malach forward After the Dust Settled is a gorgeous ballad. The title track la highlighted by way of the orchestra and is comparable to those gorgeous Stanley Turrentine albums arranged by way of Claus Ogerman. The beautiful El Yunque features Dave forward flute, and it is my favorite place forward the album.

What Latin Jazz Fantasy leaves you with is an enjoyable musical experience, showcasing O'Connell's compositional skills and stellar piano work. The originality and drift is commendable and constitutes a musical pinnacle for an unsung pianist coming into his possess as a major voice in Latin jazz.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Latin Beat Magazine

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group