Conrad Herwig - The Latin Side of John Coltrane (1996) FLAC

Tracks

1 Blessing
2 A Love Supreme (Supremo Amor)
3 Blue Train
4 Afro-Blue
5 Naima
6 Satellite
7 Africa
8 After The Rain
9 Impressions
10 India
11 The Drum Thing
12 Blessing (Reprise)

Personnel

Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan, Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Andy Gonzalez, John Benitez
Congas – Richie Flores
Drums – Adam Cruz
Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute – Dave Valentin
Piano – Danilo Perez, Eddie Palmieri, Edward Simon, Richie Beirach
Timbales, Percussion – Jose Clausell
Trombone, Music Director – Conrad Herwig
Trumpet – Alex Sippiagin*, Brian Lynch, Mike Ponella, Ray Vega
Vocals, Bata, Congas, Percussion – Milton Cardona


John Coltrane's music has been interpreted many ways since his death in 1967 but rarely in a Latin jazz setting. Trombonist Conrad Herwig, in putting together this project, wisely avoided using any other tenor or soprano saxophonists, instead gathering togther several trumpeters, either Ronnie Cuber or Gary Smulyan on baritone, flutist Dave Valentin and a crack Latin rhythm section. By varying the instrumentation and personnel on each selection, Herwig has succeeded in continually casting Coltrane's music in a new light. The opening and closing versions of "Blessing" have Milton Cardona vocalizing a brief prayer. All of the other music (with the exception of Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue") are 'Trane compositions. Herwig is well showcased, as is trumpeter Brian Lynch and most of the sidemen. The results are quite fresh, often infectious and unpredictable. A fine tribute to the flexibility of John Coltrane's 1960-64 music.