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Steve Kroon, congas, percussion.; O. Hernandez, D. Salvador, piano; R. Rodriguez, R. Carter, bass; S. Nelson, vibes; V. Cherico, L. Nash, drums; M. Smith, flute; others.
I was a great fan of Steven Kroon’s last release, In My Path. It seemed to have the elements combined right, favoring lush textures. This one is more assertive, right from the title. The "Senor" in Senor Kroon says it all. Here Mr. Kroon proclaims his standing as a player and composer of note. In doing this, he surrounds himself with many of the key musicians of our time.
What I appreciate in the title track, despite the catchy melody co-written by Kroon, is the salsa, underpinned by really magnificent timbales courtesy of Kroon. It’s almost as if the pitches of the drums contribute to the thematic statement and to the harmonic content of the song. Later, in one of the piano montunos that pervade the whole song, Kroon delivers a killer solo. This would be a track to market to motion pictures or television.
"Amigos", written by Kroon and Oscar Hernandez, is another salsa that doesn’t budge an inch off the intro tempo, thanks bassist Ruben Rodriguez who locks it in on the "and" of two and "four", aided by Vince Cherico. Cherico has a knack of playing stock Latin grooves without tromping on the mix. When you listen with headphones, however, the true extent of what this drummer does becomes apparent. Listen to the incredible interplay between Cherico’s snare/toms and Kroon’s timbalesaround the 4:45 minute mark. With "Amigos" we’re looking at more radio friendly material, distinguished by hotter playing than is the norm for that medium.
We move past the cha cha-ing "Mi Alma" and a lithe version of Oscar Hernandez’s "Spring" to another deserving of wider recognition, the great pianist Dom Salvador. His arrangement of "My One and Only Love" is a beautiful respite in the pacing of the album. With Kroon providing conga backdrop to Lewis Nash’s brushes and Ron Carter’s upright, Dom Salvador lays it down, coaxing stellar solos from Steve Nelson on vibraphone and Houston Person on tenor.
The standard "Crisis" gains new value from this team that, I’m sure, would please even its demanding composer, Freddie Hubbard! Tim Ries blows inside and outside the arrangement, which is underpinned by a nice funky ostinato by Cherico/Rodriguez. Crank the stereo up.
Past "Belly Button", a sort of hybrid salsa-meets-cha cha cha, we arrive at the up-tempo "Song for J.D.", a track that departs the usual Cuban format for a samba groove. During the bridge, Kroon brings his Brazilian percussion to the fore. He seems to have a knack for working with both jazz (Nash) and Cuban-style drummers (Cherico), providing the appropriate lilt and punch, respectively.
"For the Ancestors" is another Steven Kroon co-write, possibly so-named due to its Afro-influenced 6/8 feel. Another winning melody, softly stated by Tim Ries on flute, the song features a solo from Steve Nelson that works great but features a few notes that must have left them scratching their heads in the control room – great stuff! Kroon’s percussion as usual never departs from clave yet quietly exhibits complexity. Love that little shaker that rears up in the speakers near the end.
Senor Kroon is a thoroughly satisfying album. It features attractive melodies, harmony, and arrangements - so often missing in today’s vamp-oriented music. Highly recommended.
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