Search - Ralph Irizarry :: Ralph Irizarry & Timbalaye

After years playing behind legends like Rueben Blades, Ray Baretto, and even a stint with David Byrne, percussionist Ralph Irizarry takes his timbales front and center, backed by a solid acoustic band and giving the current Latin roots-jazz scene a new contender. Roots it is, but Irizarry is no follower; and his arrangements are clever, a bit quirky at times, and there's not much one could call down time on this recording. Timbalaye offers rock-solid rhythm, playful vamping on the horns, and lots of fine soloing; and while there is a kit drum and bass rhythm section, they play second to the percussionists most of the time, giving this smooth Latin jazz a bit of a conjunto feel. In addition to Irizarry's timabales, special note should be taken of pianist Luis Perdomo, whose heavy left hand and "between the groove" melody lines give this recording a special flair. --Louis Gibson