The music of ¿Qué Bolá?...
¿qué
bolá? composed by brian harding ©
(SOCAN)
¿Qué bolá? (whats up? ) is
a common greeting one might hear on the streets in Cuba, so its
fitting that this descarga or jam session begins this CD. Everyone
in the group gets a chance to say hello with a short solo to break
the ice...
Soloists: Al, Brian, Lou, Bill, Edgar, Jack, Chris
onward and edward composed by allan johnston
© tumbao music (SOCAN)
This would be a straight ahead, in-clave latin tune, except for the
fact that it's in 5/4 time, with an original clave (3-1-2). This song
shows another side to the group, one of interplay and communication,
as expressed in the extended improvisation that finishes off the piece.
This song is dedicated to the memory of Brian Hill, friend and drummer.
Soloists: Bill, Brian, Chris
empieza sin
mí composed by allan johnston ©
tumbao music (SOCAN)
Empieza Sin Mí (Start Without Me), begins in a latin jazz feel,
featuring Bill Clark on flugelhorn, and ends up as a cooking son,
featuring the vocals of Panama born Iván Rodriguez.
Soloist: Bill
21 y E composed by brian harding © (SOCAN)
21 y E (21st and E St. in Havana), is inspired by Cuban jazz groups
such as Irakere and Maraca as well as modern dance groups such as
La Charanga Habanera and Los Van Van.
Soloists: Bill, Brian, Jack
snakewalk composed by brian harding ©
(SOCAN)
This beautiful jazz cha cha chá is another example of the interplay
between band members, especially during the group solo section.
Soloists: Lou, Group, Jack
james y cachao
composed by allan johnston © tumbao music (SOCAN)
Inspired by two of the most important innovators of the bass: James
Jamerson, who was the driving force behind Motown's greatest hits,
and the Cuban Legend, Israel Lopez 'Cachao' , inventor of the mambo,
and still playing strongly in his 80's! This song is dedicated to
one of the new generation of Cuban bassists, Pedro Pablo Gutierrez.
Soloists: Brian, Lou, Al
toys composed by herbie hancock © hancock
music
By the great pianist Herbie Hancock, this song is an intriguing combination
of 4/4 swing over a 6/8 rhythm section. This feel is inspiring to
solo over, as Bill Clark's soaring flugelhorn solo demonstrates. Soloists:
Allan, Lou, Bill, Edgar (cajon)
frankness
composed and arranged by allan johnston © tumbao
music (SOCAN)
This composition, with a full big-band arrangement, was inspired by
and is dedicated to the late composer and guitarist Frank Zappa. It
features guest appearances by Nick Apivor on marimba, Paul Baron on
lead trumpet, and MIke Braverman on saxophones.
Soloists: Brian, Lou