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ALBUM REVIEWS
Grupo Yanqui Rides Again (2008)
All Music Guide
www.allmusic.com - September 2008
- Michael G. Nastos
Jazz Review (UK)
August/September, 2008
Grupo Yanqui’s name derives from “Yankee,” perhaps a wry observation that this New York outfit are essentially a bunch of anglos paying sincere homage to Latin Jazz. Following on from their eponymous 2001 debut, the programme is once again an exciting blend of re-arranged standards and originals from within the band. Saxophonist Chris Cheek is probably the group’s best known member, although Yosvany Terry Cabrera, who regularly gigs with the group, is a hot property in Latin circles and appeared on their debut.
Opening with Chick Corea’s mid-60’s Latin masterpiece “Tones for Joan’s Bones,” Grupo Yanqui immediately make explicit reference to that defining era. The crackling interplay between Cheek and trumpeter Alex Norris is completely absorbing, showing all of the wandering ‘inside/outside’ schemata of Bennis Maupin and Woody Shaw in their prime. Nominally the group’s co-leader, pianist Paster’s rich harmonic probing is underpinned by Ryan and Hall, a working trio comfortable inside the blanketing swells of post-Coltrane energy, shoe-horning it into accessible grooves.
Despite heave bop leanings, Afro-Cuban rhythms and harmonies are the group’s calling card. “If Woody Had Gone Straight to the Police…” is one of the disc’s most driving pieces, and perfectly illustrates the group’s easy confluence of styles. Bustling modernistic pieces such as “The Unabonger” and “The Kid From Albuquerque” show their mastery of the jazz idiom, whilst softer Latin pulses are found on “The Chick From Panama,” a humorously titled but musically sincere nod to “The Girl from Ipanema.” Cheek gives Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge” an elegiac and highly considered reading, whilst the highly modal (and Joe Henderson inspired) “PoMoAfroMoFoJo” sees Paster at his most Tyner-ish. Although very much a music of homages, Grupo Yanqui must be considered one of New York’s best-kept secrets. With all of the technical facility, interpretive originality and fiery passion to pull the job off in style, this is a warmly recommended slice of contemporary jazz.
-Fred Grand
Jazz and Blues Report
jazz-blues.com - June 2008
On their second CD, the NYC-based band Grupo Yanqui delivers a jazz-driven mix of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Latin music mostly composed by the leaders, pianist Bennett Paster and bassist Gregory Ryan, whose combined sense of humor comes out in tune titles and the playfulness in some of their originals... Among the highlights are Paster’s “The Unabonger,” a hip pulsating number that conveys a sense of urgency and Ryan’s uptempo descarga “If Woody Had Gone Right to the Police...” which features some fine front-line solos and cohesive teamwork. This outing is appealing for the polished musicianship as well as brilliantly crafted, lively compositions and robust arrangements.
-Nancy Ann Lee
All About Jazz
allaboutjazz.com
This album is a winning effort that presents urban Latin jazz, led by pianist Bennett Paster and bassist Gregory Ryan. Grupo Yanqui Rides Again is a solid interpretation of mostly original material proffered up by the leading duo.
The album contains the combination of Latin ideas and the talent of saxophonist Chris Cheek and trumpeter/flugelhornist/percussionist Alex Norris. In addition, hand percussionist Gilad certainly adds the flair of Latin jazz to the sound...
All but two of the compositions are from the pens of Paster and Ryan, with the others being Chick Corea's "Tones for Joan's Bones" and a bolero version of Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge," which provides a refreshing change of pace.
This is the second album from Grupo Yanqui, although it follows several years after the first. Paster and Ryan have updated the musical geographic territory for Grupo Yanqui to include Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and American influenced compositions, all with Latin-tinged arrangements.
The change in repertoire has given Grupo Yanqui a strong base to build from, with the listener being the winner.
-Michael P. Gladstone
Audiophile Audition
audaud.com - August 7, 2008
This Latin jazz sextet, originated by Paster and Ryan, takes Latin jazz into a more modern style - mixing the usual Afro-Cuban influences with music of Brazil and other Latin countries, plus a heavy dose of contemporary jazz and funk. The results do sizzle. Chick Corea’s Tones for Joan’s Bones is not the sort of tune one finds on the typical Latin jazz album. There’s several tunes from members of the sextet, and a great variety of percussion effects are indicated by the band’s trumpet player being also credited for doubling on the clave and chékere.It’s not all at a breathless pace either - Chelsea Bridge from Billy Strayhorn gets a slowed-down treatment that polishes the great beauty of the tune until it gleams. Sonics are excellent - the percussion effects crisp and tight.
-John Henry
JazzReview.com
jazzreview.com - August 2008
Co-led by the young, up-and-coming New York City-based pianist (Bennett Paster) and bassist (Gregory Ryan), Grupo Yanqui's stock-in-trade is accomplished - but not overly-polished - Latin Jazz of the sort that simultaneously stimulates the intellect and moves the booty. Though the Grupo has been at it for almost a decade, this CD is only their second recording...Aside from two covers – Chick Corea's 'Tones for Joan's Bones' and Billy Strayhorn's 'Chelsea Bridge,' - the CD is comprised of original compositions written by Hall or Paster. Each of Ryan's rather oddly-titled pieces have a sort of unexpected, attention-grabbing twist. 'The Chick From Panama' has some real dark harmonies happening between the piano and bass, though it's basically a sultry, smoldering Latin-jazz tune with endlessly percolating percussion, Harmon-muted trumpet and tenor sax out front – Cheek's tenor solo here is magnificent, well-paced and soulful and is almost one-upped by Norris' fluid trumpet. 'If Woody Had Gone Right to The Police...' has an angular, oddly phrased head that unfurls over a bubbling, almost exuberant, guaguanco rhythm. 'PoMoAfroMoFoJoIntro' is a ruminative solo acoustic bass feature that sets up the roiling, soul-jazz tinged 'PoMoAfroMoFoJo' – one of the less overtly Latin pieces on this CD. Again, Norris' and Cheek's solos burn brightly, while Paster follows with a wild, cliffhanging, free-range piano solo.
Paster's contributions are similarly accomplished, though his tastes lean towards the Latin-funk end of the spectrum. 'The Unabonger' has a decidedly old-school modal jazz-funk flavor to it that I found endlessly appealing. 'El Vaquero Numero Cinco' is, as you might expect, in 5/4 time and sports a rather long and tricky theme that gives way to bracing solos by Hall, Norris, and Paster. The title reference in 'The Kid From Albuquerque' may be to Paster's own New Mexico-based childhood experience, but the tune is no-holds-barred Latin jazz in the vein of Jerry Gonzalez and The Fort Apache Band. Cheek chips in a nice alto sax solo here as well. The two covers fare similarly well. It's always great to hear early Chick Corea tunes, and 'Tones for Joan's Bones' is a great pick. The same could be said for Billy Strayhorn's tunes, and the sextet's sultry rendering of 'Chelsea Bridge' – the CD's only ballad - is absolutely first-rate. So, while there is Latin jazz aplenty on 'Grupo Yanqui Rides Again,' this Grupo is not riding a one-trick pony – they adventure into all sorts of diverse areas with the ease, inventiveness and good humor. This CD is a pleasure from start to finish.
-Dave Wayne
Midwest Record
midwestrecord.com - May 2008
[Grupo Yanqui plays Latin Jazz] with the kind of funk and feel that would make this highly recommended on the splash page of Dusty Grooves. Simply a fun Afro-Cuban romp that finds the crew turning in hot solos, steaming through hot jams and simply letting the steam from the melting pot that is New York rise in the spirit of fun throughout. Edgy, heady stuff that never quite wanders off the page even as it thinks outside the box, contemporary, urban jazz fans are sure to use this in their next fusillade against smooth jazz. Check it out.
Improvijazzation Nation
Improvijazzation Nation #82 - June 2008
All but 2 ("Tones for Joan's Bones" by Chick Corea & "Chelsea Bridge" from Billy Strayhorn) of the 9 compositions on this funky latin-based CD are originals, which no doubt is what made our blood kick up it's heels & begin to (mentally, anyway) dance frenetically. It only took a couple listens through the 9 tracks to figure out that "The Unabonger" was the track for me... absolute favorite, with solid Latin licks & an energy quotient that just won't quit... + which, that title is priceless! Nearly all the tunes are danceable, so you get more than you bargained for... high-energy jazz, new directions & a great beat for your toes to tap to, or get up & shuffle madly 'round the room to. The group, led by Bennett's piano, takes you on a passionate percussive journey that you won't soon forget; in fact, some of these compositions will stay with you for years if you listen to the album (even) once. I'm mightily impressed... we hope to hear much more from these folks (& I'm sure we will). If you're looking for Latin jazz that isn't (in the least bit) "tired", check them out right away. I give this our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating...
-Rotcod Zzaj
Jazz Times
jazztimes.com - October 2008
On it’s second outing, this savvy New York-based Latin-jazz sextet co-led by pianist Bennett Paster and bassist Gregory Ryan puts a clever salsa spin on Chick Corea’s “Tones for Joan’s Bones” and Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge.” Saxophonist Chris Cheek and trumpeter Alex Norris shine in the frontline while drummer Keith Hall and Percussionist Gilad percolate underneath on clave-fueled originals like Paster’s “The Kid From Albuquerque” and Ryan’s churning descarga “If Woody Had Gone Right to the Police…”
-Bill Milkowski
ALBUM REVIEWS
Grupo Yanqui (2001)
All Music Guide
www.allmusic.com - December 2001
AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Pianist Bennett Paster and bassist Gregory
Ryan team up with drummer Rob Garcia to form the core of Grupo Yanqui.
Chris Cheek and Yosvany Terry Cabrera share saxophone duties (and appear
only on separate tracks), while Gilad and Dafnis Prieto handle percussion.
Not unlike the Rumba Club, Grupo Yanqui looks at Latin jazz as a springboard
for highly creative and complex original music. Paster penned six tunes
for the session; Ryan, who plays both acoustic and electric bass, contributes
three others. There's also a playful arrangement of Harburg and Lane's
"How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" and a boisterous closing rendition
of Bebo Valdés' "Cactus Mambo." Paster is featured without
horns on his "Fantasy," a piece with symphonic overtones and
an intoxicating, repeated melody. Other highlights include Ryan's "Storytime,"
a snappy minor-key groove in six; Paster's "Tema Para Yosvany,"
an elaborate piece based on a tricky figure in five; and "Oaktown
Morning Blues," also by Paster, a brooding song in a slow 7/4. Involved
arrangements, passionate solos, and vigorous, spontaneous interplay, all
with a melodic and cosmopolitan Latin funk touch. Highly recommended. 4 out of 5 possible stars
- David R. Adler
AllAboutJazz.com
www.allaboutjazz.com - January 2002
Somehow these young New York guys seem to never let you down. On Grupo
Yanqui (are they the anti-Grupo Mets?) leaders Bennett Paster and Gregory
Ryan showcase their hip, cerebral, groovy originals and two standards
in a series of fine and energetic performances. Ryan's "Miller Time"
is a hard Latin Funk groove with an interesting and intelligent line
and neat solos all around. Paster's "Mona Se Queda" is a tight Wayne
Shorter-ish thing with a really hip minor chord sequence, and the band
really takes this one somewhere - into a controlled frenzy in the solos
before returning to the subtle line before freaking out again at the
end. It's into the cabaret or ballroom of your choice for "How Are Things
In Gloccamora?", as the fellas cha-cha this one up quite nicely. Paster's
"Fantasy" is a showcase for his understanding of harmony, dynamics and
tension and resolution and how they relate to composition. Very well
done, as is this entirely refreshing recording. The group shows their
sense of humor on the Bebo Valdes closer "Cactus Mambo".
- Jim Josselyn
Cadence Magazine
www.cadencebuilding.com - April 2002
Although a North American production, the recording has all the savory
taste of the islands and the Southern Hemisphere. This band regularly
heats up the temperature and lays down a bountiful dose of syncopated
vibrations. It is a solid offering.
- Frank Rubolino
AllAboutJazz.com
www.allaboutjazz.com - May 2002
Grupo Yanqui is headed by the young New Yorkers Bennett Paster and Gregory
Ryan. They play a brand of jazz that is very much in your head. It is
erudite and inventive and very, very listenable. These fine young musicians
are intent on producing a hip brand of Latin Jazz drawn through the
high polish of an Anglo prism. Saxophonists Terry Cabrera and Chris
Cheek carry the band from one song to the next, hoisted by Paster's
full-fisted piano. Latin percussion is evident everywhere, providing
the music with a salsa shiver. Grupo Yanqui is a fine start. It is about
time this group be heard by a label.
- C. Michael Bailey
Concerts & Other Press
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