Journeyman Latin jazz bandleader
Poncho Sanchez delivers another stellar and high-energy release with
Do It! Featuring
Sanchez's longtime ensemble, the album also includes appearances by funk legends
Tower of Power, who play throughout, as well as South African jazz/funk legend trumpeter
Hugh Masekela. Interestingly, rather than revisit one of
Masekela's better-known hits like "Grazin' in the Grass,"
Sanchez chose to delve into older pieces from
Masekela's debut, The Emancipation of Hugh Masekela, including the celebratory "Ha Lese Le Di Khanna" and the moody "Child of the Earth." Both showcase
Masekela's evocative vocals. With such superb guest artists here,
Do It! delivers an electrifying mix of dancefloor-ready pieces, modal Afro-jazz numbers, and Latin-inflected funk. ~ Matt Collar