Noah Abrahamse, The Mumbo Jumbo Combo - Días Latinos (2024) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Chucho
02. Mandinga
03. Dolor Y Perdón
04. Summertime
05. Paq Man
06. Justinian
07. Habana Del Este
08. Calzada Del Cerro

Noah Abrahamse may have graduated from Humber College relatively recently, mentored by the celebrated Afro-Cuban musician, the maestro Hilario Durán, but judging by his maturity – even uncommonly erudite – musical intellect Mr Abrahamse is already his own man. And you can hear this on his rendition of his mentor song Paq-Man.

Of course, high praise is merited here not only for the ensemble playing on that track, but also for the masterful grasp of Hilario Durán’s vibrant portrait of Mr D’Rivera by pinaist Nicholas Mustapha “El Sobrino” and bassist Duncan Hopkins and the exquisite ensemble playing through all the chord – and key – changes of the piece.

His debut big band recording Días Latinos confirms something unique about his maturation; he has largely resisted the temptation to put the spotlight on what is often a gratuitous display showmanship by featuring original compositions. He chose, instead, to show a remarkable mastery of Afro-Cuban folk forms – danzón, son and mambo – even turning the standard Summertime by George Gershwin in to a tasty mambo.

This strategic decision makes eminent sense if Mr Abrahamse intends to pursue Afro-Cuban music to where it will lead him. And if the exquisitely performed music on Días Latinos is any indication the bandleader and alto saxophonist is going to go places.

The opening, a superbly crafted arrangement of Chucho, is a tribute to the grand Cuban master Chucho Valdés [and son of the legendary Bebo Valdés by the younger Valdés’ colleague from Irakere, Paquito D’Rivera. The performance of this Mumbo Jumbo Combo is solid and passionately full-blown. The following danzón, Mandinga is impish, but also display a lot more brio as the song progresses.

In terms of stylistic approach, the rest of the programme continues in kind. Each song brings more warmth, smooth and confident, and elegant interpretations not only of classic songs and superb sense of clave required for each of the folkloric forms that the bandleader pursues on this album. Each of the songs is big-hearted, expansive, brilliantly read by musicians well schooled in the idiom.

The real triumph here is Mr Abrahamse’s musical intellect. He is – first – a superb alto saxophonist. His tone is full-blooded. Each solo is vibrantly alive, there is a real imagination and colour, with echoes of modal harmony that might remind you of Mr D’Rivera. Plus, Mr Abrahamse’s solo is a deliciously zesty folk-dance scherzo.

Also, part of the triumphant performance is the single original composition, Justinian, that graces this recording. Conventionally structured as a danzón it is by turns tender and ardently lyrical.

This recording also features superb, idiomatic performances by one and all. Each of the musicians are fully invested in Mr Abrahamse’s vision and artistry. Each plays with idiomatic grace, whether while soloing or in ensemble. Laura Fernández is seductive and brilliant on ¿Dónde Estabas Tú? And Joaquín Núñez Hidalgo adds a touch of class to all the songs on which his percussive gifts are highlighted.