Dafnis Prieto - Taking the Soul for a Walk (2008)

Dafnis Prieto's third outing as a leader focuses exclusively on his complex, challenging originals, not exactly what one expects from a date led by most jazz drummers. Then again, Prieto's innovative blend of his Cuban heritage with post-bop make for compelling music, as interpreted by a group that includes multi-reed players Peter Apfelbaum and Yosvany Terry, pianist Manuel Valera, trumpeter Avishai Cohen, and bassist Yunior Terry, all but one fine leaders in their own right. The tension never lets up in his dramatic "Taking the Soul for a Walk," with Apfelbaum's melodica out front over the furious rhythm section. "Until the Last Minute" is a more traditional Latin jazz number, with lush harmonies and a fine solo by Valera. "Two Excuses" is a breezy affair with a humorous air, while the upbeat, enchanting "Prelude Para Rosa" adds Itai Kriss on flute.~© Ken Dryden /TiVo