Poncho Sanchez, Ikebe Shakedown, Kelly Suttenfield and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
PONCHO SANCHEZ – TRANE’S DELIGHT (JAZZ): Hard to believe it’s been seven years since this jazz icon’s last release. Luckily for us, Poncho Sanchez continues to actively tour and, for his 30th anniversary with Picante Records, has released this moving John Coltrane-themed record. At first, a tribute by a conga player would seem unusual, but Sanchez is a jazz master. He joins with musical director Francisco Torres in giving new life to classics like “Blue Train.” Poncho Sanchez also equally delights with an original composition, “Bailia Mi Gente.” The three Coltrane interpretations and the new arrangements all work to create a stunning and welcome return.
IKEBE SHAKEDOWN – KINGS LEFT BEHIND (FUNK): It’s a crying shame that Ikebe Shakedown has been around for a decade, yet still remains under the radar. Kings Left Behind, out on Colemine Records, is a powerfully raw throw back to melodic and driving instrumental music from the ’70s and early ’80s. This group-composed project was recorded on analog tape by Ikebe Shakedown bassist Vince Chairita and reflects a soulfulness and groove currently missing from most of today’s R&B/Rock music. Check out “Horses” and the title track to experience musical joy.
KELLEY SUTTENFIELD – WHEN WE WERE YOUNG (JAZZ): I listen to a wide variety and usually review stuff I like. Occasionally, I listen to music which I think is interesting but ultimately find unappealing. When We Were Young: Kelley Suttenfield Sings Neil Young seemed to be a weird concept, which I suspected would not pan out. Yet, she has made me a believer. An accomplished jazz singer, Suttenfield and guitarist Toss Sheridan breathe new life into these Neil Young classics. Subtleties that I didn’t know existed are brought forth in “Harvest Moon” and “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” The arrangements are both compact and lush. Kelley Suttenfield’s voice is evocative and subtle, yet filled with expression. This is an album that gets better and better after each spin.
JOSEPH YUN – IT’S TIME (JAZZ): I first heard of this project over a year ago via Facebook when Joseph Yun, a West Coast-based jazz guitarist, captured his recording of “Faraway Place” with Ernest Tubb (my bass idol) and drum legend Simon Phillips. Jun’s composition was melodically challenging, and his chops on electric guitar were equally memorizing. Now, with the release of the self-financed and produced It’s Time, you can hear Yun in all his glory. The chops are still here, and on songs like “Zig Zag,” you get to hear his skill as an arranger and bandleader. It’s Time has many shades, but one evident thing is that Joseph Yun is a master at his craft.
WARRIOR WOMEN OF AFRO-PERUVIAN MUSIC – JUST PLAY PERU (JAZZ / WORLD MUSIC): The Warrior Women of Afro-Peruvian Music is a focused and moving collaboration spearheaded by producer Araceli Poma and featuring Sofia Buitron, Rosa Guzman and Charo Goyoneche. The songs, as expected, are arranged in a mostly acoustic fashion, which emphasizes the lovely voices. By contrast, the tales told in Spanish have a raw beauty as they explore racism, sexism, and cultural disparities. The difference between the music and the lyrics on songs like “Es Amador” and “Si Es Que Me Quiere” is fascinating. Just Play Peru arrives in advance of what promises to be an exciting accompanying documentary, scheduled for release in the spring of 2020.
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