On The Cover Antonio Sanchez Circling the globe backing masters of jazz helped him develop fearsome skills and a crystal-clear vision for his art. Now it’s time for him to let his own music light the way. Story by Michael Parillo Photos by Rahav Segev At the March album-release show for singer Thana Alexa’s debut, Ode to Heroes, at SubCulture in New York City, Antonio Sanchez was called on to do a little bit of everything. Anchoring the band, Sanchez played airy swing beats, odd-time fusion rave-ups, slinky rimclick grooves, tasty 16th-note funk, a bluesy 12/8 with a bit of Bonham in the bass drum. He dropped to a whisper, with sticks, brushes, mallets, or just his bare hands. He soloed with fire, searing the stamp of the tune into his phrases, and offered a taste of his potent clave-based, full-body rhythms. He steered the other players with a firm […]

August 2015 Issue