Bill O'Connell & the Latin Jazz All-Stars at Zinc Bar

About

For years the go-to pianist and arranger for such artists as Mongo Santamaria, Dave Valentin, Gato Barbieri, the Fort Apache Band and others, Bill O'Connell has perhaps more than any other pianist developed a true melding of Latin and Jazz music. His own playing – from its robust chordal comping to its exuberant and sometimes knotty solos – transcends categorization and combines rhythmic complexities with glittering single note runs in a sort of Bud Powell-meets-Chick-Corea sound. With Latin-tinged trombone great Conrad Herwig, O'Connell provides a thoughtful program of originals and a few re-imagined standards including an amazing rendition of Victor Feldman's “Joshua” and a surprising “Surrey with the Fringe on Top.” Saxophonist Steve Slagle, percussion legend Richie Flores and his regular rhythm section make Bill O'Connell's Zócalo (Savant) a joyous romp filled with energy and high spirits from a powerful voice in Latin Jazz.