David Sanchez - Cultural Survival
More often, then not these days, jazz lovers appear to tire from being under siege by the usual preservatives tied to the womb of smooth, salsa, bop and other clichés shaped by even the most esteem artists. With that said, Puerto Rican-born tenor saxophonist David Sanchez is one artist that is certainly not enslaved in exile of commercialism. On his latest project, “Cultural Survival,” on Concord Picante, Sanchez manages to evoke a texturally persuasive conduit of innovative music that thrives on escalating his voice in modern jazz by traveling beyond the footsteps of uncultivated territory.
As a result, with a tangible revelation in sight Sanchez beckon the infallible talent of Danilo Perez [pianist] along with an exceptional cast of today’s finest musicians including: Ben Street & Hans Glawisching [bass], Adam Cruz & Henry Cole [drums], Lage Lund [guitar] Pernell Saturnino [percussion] and Robert Rodriguez [piano & fender Rhodes] they are prepared to unveil with the provisions necessary to unleash the captivating sounds of a “Cultural Survival.”
Although, “Cultural Survival” is only eight compositions deep the lineage of these selections are quite impressive. The irresistible “Coast to Coast,” the opening selection takes you on arduous expedition with an impulsive Brecker/Scofield like propensity. As the music begin, it features Thelonious Monk Competition winner guitarist Lage Lund, and Sanchez front-n-center of the context. They indefatigably compliment one another with the candor you come expect hear from skilled musicians. Tick for tack, their voices yoked as one jovial blend stirs up traces of African influenced music in this delicious brew.
While ingrained in the loam of fertile ground, Sanchez and company intercede with contrasting ideas and details on the encompassing “Manto Azul.” Moreover, the tune is illusive in tempo while the aptitude of the quintet soars without apology on this appetizing arrangement of Afrocentric jazz. No question, this is only the tip of the iceberg! Nonetheless, the music resumes with the venomous “Adoracion,” anchored by a inimitable tribute to the legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk is simply titled “Monk’s Mood.” The plush and stylish guitar work of Lage Lund resurfaces and supersedes expectations on “Ay Benito,” followed with persuasive interchange by the ensemble on the title track “Culture Survival.”
“The Forgotten Ones,” is another spellbinding tribute that is gracious, inspirational piece devoted to the heart of the valiant warriors committed to resurrection of the Katrina victims in New Orleans. The finale, centerpiece and soul the of the project is “La Leyenda del Canaveral.” Sanchez brilliantly accentuates the heartfelt compassion of a poem written by Sanchez’s sister about the internal inflictions and complexities of slavery features the remarkable Robert Rodriguez on piano and fender Rhodes.
Most significantly, as an accomplished player, composer, arranger, leader and stellar performer David Sanchez produced this project with an understanding in the spirit of leaving a fruitful imprint that will indeed attract and sustain your interest with each listen. Spontaneity and persistence are two genuine attributes by Mr. Sanchez. An fortunately, for music lovers he expressively attained his goal by exposing eight phenomenal compositions to the world with “Culture Survival.”
If you dig modern jazz, please do not hesitate pick up this music by David Sanchez immediately.
David Sanchez, “Cultural Survival” - Track Listing:
1. Coast To Coast
2. Manto Azul
3. Adoracion
4. Monk’s Mood
5. Ay Bendito
6. Culture Survival
7. The Forgotten Ones
8. La Leyenda del Canaveral
J Desmond
The Urban Music Scene
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