Panamanian bassist
Santi Debriano utilizes many influences, including his Afro-Latin heritage. There are hard samba and Latin jazz threads easily recognized, but the otherworldly violin work of Israeli born
Miri Ben-Ari sets this project apart from other salsa, world music, or jazz recordings that incorporate rhythms and melodies from distant places. The uplifting opener "Mano a Mano" in a trio setting with Brazilian pianist
Helio Alves is followed by the ultimately tuneful
Duke Pearson evergreen "Is That So?" with vocalist Valtinho Anastacio. The romantic violin of
Ben-Ari folds with
Debriano's arco bass on "Prelude to the Cyclical Night," while
Chick Corea's melodicism is suggested during "Cosa Otra," kicked along by the astounding drummer
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez (he shows up on six tracks). The highlight is a unique version of the
Duke Ellington/
Billy Strayhorn soul melter "Isfahan," the violinist tugging at the heartstrings through her instrument.
Debriano also offers two bass solos, the band deals a hint of pure descarga on "Cubanola," and Anastacio croons Portuguese beautifully in unison with
Ben-Ari in on the title track. They also do a throwaway version of
Prince's "Kiss."
Debriano, one of the most in-demand sidemen in New York jazz circles, utilizes a bold, round, full (not fat) tone that perfectly expresses his love for life. Most of that joy is expressed on this thoughtful, provocative, diverse CD that will whet your whistle for more, especially from
Ben-Ari, a rising star who should be heard on a project of her own ~ Michael G. Nastos