Heineken Jazz Festival 2011 Day 4

By: Marcos Rios

The Ninety Miles project started when three world renowned American musicians Christian Scott, David Sanchez and Stefon decided to go to Havana, Cuba to record with Cuban musicians. The recording for this project will be released in the next two to three months, and the accompanying tour will begin shortly after the album’s release. This was the first time this particular ensemble took to the stage after recording the music in the studio, and the results were astounding.

Their set was filled with delightful compositions by Scott, Sanchez and Harris. They made this difficult music feel incredibly simple, which was a big part of the ensemble’s charm. Besides the three main musicians, the other players in the ensemble Luques Curtis (bass), Henry Cole (drums), Luis Perdomo (piano) and Eddy Mauricio Herrera (percussion). The chemistry between this ensemble and the soloist was simply awe-inspiring.

Stefon Harris’ performance was incredible; Harris’s soloing used an immense palette of musical colors which created drive and intensity within the band. The energy created by the rhythm section was dead on through the entire set. Sanchez’s playing keeps getting better and better. Sanchez gave a very mature performance in which he never overplays, because he doesn’t need to. Sanchez’s playing was reminiscent of early John Coltrane with his use of extended harmony while improvising, creating tension throughout the ensemble.

Christian Scott’s fast lines, soaring into the high register, were suggestive of the past, especially Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. Scott is an astonishing performer and there was never a dull moment in his solos. He created tension with motivic moments that stuck to the listener’s ear.

Another artist that stood out in the group was Henry Cole, whose drum playing is becoming legendary because this young musician, as well as the rest of the band, has a, very distinct style that embodies melodic drum playing under the soloist and within his own solos.

The Humberto Ramirez Big Band closed the festival with a tribute to Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, La Lupe and Frank Sinatra. The Ramirez Big Band is one of best big bands in Puerto Rico. They perform every week at a restaurant in San Juan called Yerba Buena. On this particular night, the Big Band decided to visit the music of the past primarily these artist arrangements in order to pay tribute to them.

This is an exceptionally mature big band that provided high-quality entertainment to its audience during the closing night by regularly interacting with the audience. The band is led by one of the most talented Puertorican arrangers and composers, who also shines on the trumpet. Ramirez has worked as a composer, arranger, producer and director to some of the top acts in the Latin music scene, such as Willie Colon, Gilberto Santarosa, Marc Anthony, India, Ruben blades and many others.

The night featured three singers that interpreted these classics were Josue Rosado who interpreted the classics by Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez; Mike Ritacco who performed the Sinatra classics; and Michelle Brava who breathed new life into the songs by La Lupe.

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