John Benitez Trio

DESCARGA IN NEW YORK

(Khaeon)

New York City has always been a melting pot, a big black hot cauldron where all sorts of concoctions are brewed. DESCARGA IN NEW YORK, the debut release of the John Benitez Trio, is one of those concoctions that could only have been made here, in New York City. A fine brew, blended from a wide spectrum of musical colors and textures spanning the Americas, and the Caribbean basin.

The trio, comprised of Benitez on acoustic bass, Luis Perdomo on piano, and Dafnis Prieto on drums, along with featured guests Ravi Coltrane (tenor & soprano sax) and Richie Flores (percussion), presents a repertoire of a wide range of Jazz with a twist of Latin American rhythmic dynamics. Each of the principals brings a little something from their respective homelands (Benitez – Puerto Rico, Perdomo – Venezuela, Prieto – Cuba). The rich rhythmic textures from throughout Latin America spice up the main ingredient, Jazz, for a pleasurable listening experience, a change of pace.

Make no mistake about it DESCARGA IN NEW YORK is Jazz in every sense of the word, a coming together of three very capable musicians, three musicians that have paid their dues playing with a who’s who of Jazz and Latin American music. And now it’s their time to be heard. And if you haven’t as of yet experienced a DESCARGA IN NEW YORK, do yourself a favor and check it out. This is one jam you don’t want to miss out on.

 - George Rivera

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