I found this record this morning as I was unpacking a new bunch of records dropped off today.The album is Luis Gasca "For Those Who Chant" (1971 Blue Thumb --BT37).
This is by far the best album headed by Latin jazz trumpeter Luis Gasca. This recording features a host of early 70s heavy hitters:Carlos Santana, George Cables, Stanley Clarke, Coke Escovedo, and Lenny White with a sound that is a great testament to its west coast Latin influences! The performance is airy, laid back and open -- with long thoughtful solos from Gasca (on trumpet) and Joe Henderson (on tenor sax).
The sound set is about half electric and half straight ahead. This project is very rhythmic with stellar performances on guitar, organ, keyboards, bass, and of course the Latin and Africanesque percussion. The album features 4 long tracks -- "Spanish Gypsy", "Street Dude", "La Raza", and "Little Mama". This is a must have for '70s Latin Jazz lovers. I will post a recording as soon as I get a new needle. *Click the photo and it will take you to an audio sample.
*Also check out the Luis Gasc review at Breath Of Life: an online discussion about Black Music.
Everyone who talks about this album forgets to mention Carlos Santana is on 3 cuts as well and Neal Schon is on one. Carlos is very subtle and jazzy on two cuts. And then he and Schon rock like crazy on Little Mama
ReplyDeleteI bought this album in 1976 for $.99. Classic album.
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