RECORDINGS Taking the Reins Ignacio Berroa Trio Straight Ahead From Havana Berroa blends the best of both worlds. A key architect in the fusion of Afro-Cuban and modern jazz styles for the drumset, Ignacio Berroa takes a different tack from his previous discs here, offering jazz takes on classic Cuban popular songs. On some tunes, the straight-ahead element is literal in its 4/4 swing. On others that are framed by Cuban rhythms, the straight-ahead is implied by Berroa’s looser, open jazz sensibility. The entire session sizzles. Berroa’s young sidemen, pianist Martin Bejerano and bassist Josh Allen, are keenly attuned to his concepts. Rubén Blades (a former employer) cameos on the humorous swinger “Negro de Sociedad,” while guest conguero CONRADO “COKY” GARCIA is a fiercely grooving partner with Berroa on “Los Tres Golpes.” It’s an overdue pleasure to have the fiery, grooving drummer back in the leader’s seat, as this is […]

October 2017 Issue