Roberto Juan Rodriguez - El Danzon De Moises (2002)

Roberto Juan Rodriguez, the drummer for Marc Ribot's acclaimed Los Cubanos Postizos, leads an eclectic 12-piece ensemble through an exploratory set of originals, seamlessly melding Cuban and Jewish influences. Joining Rodriguez are heavy hitters from the klezmer and avant-garde jazz worlds, including Mark Feldman, David Krakauer, Matt Darriau, Peter Apfelbaum, Craig Taborn, Susie Ibarra, Marcus Rojas, and Brad Jones. The disc is short and sweet (under 45 minutes), with hypnotic Afro-Cuban vamps intersecting the old-world sound of strings and clarinets. Occasionally a soloist will emerge -- Marcus Rojas' tuba and Ted Reichman's accordion are especially engaging. The grooves can grow a bit repetitive, although the pace picks up significantly on the finale, "Jerusalem Market." © David R. Adler