Search - Scott Martin :: Cafe Cubano

In its recent latin jazz history, Los Angeles has produced a rich and wide variety of innovative and distinctive ensembles. For the most part, every latin jazz band in Los Angeles has something different to say. The Scott Martin Latin Jazz Band is an exciting new addition to this very colorful latin jazz panorama. Scott Martin and his brothers, Andy and Stan, are highly respected musicians in Los Angeles. At one point, all three were briefly the brass section of the Poncho Sanchez Band. Scott was very pleased to include his brothers on his first session as a leader. "We?ve played together for ever, we know what the other will do. I grew up listening to them practice in the next room." Scott is an 11 year veteran of the Poncho Sanchez Band, one of the most successful ensembles in latin jazz history. He continues to travel all over the world with Poncho, learning about the music?s audience across several continents. Scott is also a member of the 18-piece "Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars" playing alongside such great musicians as Poncho, Francisco Aguabella, Justo Almario, Alex Acuña and Danilo Lozano. Including Poncho?s congas and experience was definitely a highlight for Scott, "Poncho?s contribution was very much appreciated. He helped out a lot." Needless to say, Poncho thinks very highly of Scott, "Scott is not only a great guy, but he?s a very talented arranger, composer, and musician. He can play that old gritty style and he plays a great contemporary style. Scott ?tiene corazón latino? when it comes to playing this music. He is so versatile that he can also play wonderful flute in the Cuban charanga style. This is a solid first outing for Scott and I really enjoyed helping him?.. He?s got the potential to be a fine band leader." Scott?s inspiration for his debut CD was drawn from the soulful and unforgettable spicy sounds of the Willie Bobo Band. Make no mistake, this tasty session does not attempt to recreate the Willie Bobo sound or to revisit Willie Bobo standards. The very latin funky "Fried Neckbones and Some Home Fries" is the only Bobo composition he could not leave out. Most of the material are Scott Martin original compositions. His original compositions reflect some of his favorite things and places like "Café Cubano", "Platanos", "Escuela de Peska", and "San Juan" (Puerto Rico). On "Escuela de Peska" he remembers Herbie Hancock from "The Headhunters" years. "Rick White and I really wanted a Herbie vibe on that, because we?re big fans of his." "Con Seis" reminds us of Wes Mongomery?s soothing guitar magic laid over some smooth latin jazz. "Café Cubano" is something latin jazz fans will enjoy, and it?s a nice beginning for Scott Martin as a band leader. José Rizo Host of "Jazz on the Latin Side" on Kjazz KKJZ 88.1 FM, Long Beach, CA