November 3, 2024 by

Jonathan Powell – ‘Mambo Jazz Party’ (2024)

Mambo Jazz Party by Jonathan Powell is more than dynamic music. The album is a joyous combination of Latin grooves and musical acumen.

Pulling from years of backing up jazz stalwarts such as Miguel Zenon, Eddie Plainer and Titi Puente Jr., the trumpeter built upon an idea with a colleague around the concept of campana and its importance in mambo and salsa music. Powell strove to achieve music that had a feel beyond the written notes. The 13 songs on Mambo Jazz Party see this concept in full flight.

A tribute to Puerto Rican trumpeter Juancito Bosch simply titled “Juancito” jumps out of the speakers with a dynamic interplay between Powell on trumpet, his brother Jeremy Powell on tenor, Andrew Gould on alto and a first-class rhythm section. Additionally, guest soloists Jimmy Bosch on trombone and Louis Bouche on alto add even more fuel to the band’s fire.



Guitarist Nir Felder joins the party on “Hope.” Powell’s melodic masterpiece gives Gelder space to indulge in a brooding yet fire guitar workout. “Inner Urge” is a dynamic and harmonically complete song that shifts gears, allowing the full band to stretch. The sum is greater than the parts, and Axel Tosca (keyboards), Luques Curtis (bass), Marco Lopez (congas), and Camilo Molina (drums) all add passion and nuance to Mambo Jazz Party.

Vocalist Anthony Almonte is featured on “Un Dia Bonito II,” which proves to be a notable tip of the hat for Eddie Palmer. The song adds a different element to the collection of powerful performances, bringing a welcomed flavor to the party.

Regardless of where you drop the needle on Mambo Jazz Party, you will be inspired, energized, and pleased. That’s high praise for the 18 rotating musicians Powell utilized and high praise for Jonathan Powell’s vision and execution.

Preston Frazier
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