SLAMCD317 Latin from the North – Latin from the North

Two Northern Latin jazz trios joined forces for this project: the Plaza Jazz Trio from England (Steve Waterman on trumpet, George Haslam on baritone sax, Robin Jones on congas) and the Anglo-Scandinavian trio Stekpanna (Mads Kjølby Olesen on guitars, Steve Kershaw on bass, and Petter Svärd on drums).

They perform original compositions by band members Waterman and Olesen plus songs by Hermeto Pascoal, Shorty Rogers, Ibrahim Ferrer and Antônio Carlos Jobim, Cal Tjader and Victor Schertzinger.

Steve Waterman: trumpet, flugelhorn (tracks 2 & 6)
George Haslam: baritone saxophone
Mads Kjølby Olesen: electric guitar, acoustic guitar (tracks 2, 6 & 8)
Steve Kershaw: double bass
Robin Jones: congas, berimbau (track 2)
Petter Svärd: drums

“The most characteristic instrument of the group is George Haslam’s baritone sax, its gravely presence colouring each of the tunes with lower-register richness and sometimes humour as well. Steve Waterman’s trumpet adds character to some of the tracks, especially Shorty Roger’s “Just A Few”, which Latin From The North, along with the rhythm section, convert from a light rumba to a unrestrained swing in straight four…the combined band brings to life some of the less familiar Latin tunes, like Cal Tjader’s “Mamblues”, Hermeto Pascoal’s “Bébé” or Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Retrato em Branco e Preto”.” – Bill Donaldson, Cadence

“Luckily, the instrumentation of both trios is complementary. It results in a rich, varied sound. The rhythm section is warm and fluid in the spirit of a true Cuban band (instead of that rigid, overemphasized groove Northerners often impose on such music). It gives Hermeto Pascoal’s Bébé a seductive power. The same applies to Ibrahim Ferrer’s De Camino a la Vereda. Waterman’s jazzier contribution brings a nice change of pace and a welcome feature for the congas.” – Francois Couture, AllMusic Guide

“They recorded this delightful set in less-than-Latin Oxford. Their respective strengths are revealed by the cool slink through Olesen’s Matusalem and the rhythmic kick behind Shorty Rogers’ Just a Few, reworked as a fiery samba. Throughout, Waterman’s fluid trumpet, Olesen’s understated guitar lines, and Haslam’s dirty-voiced baritone – a reminder that Latin music is above all sensual – are well supported by a supple and infectious rhythm section. Their choice of material is arresting: Cal Tjader’s mambo Mamblues, Jobim’s lesser known bossa nova Retrato, Hermeta Pascoal’s classic baiaõ Bébé and Ibrahim Ferrer’s Buena Vista staple De Camino…What makes this all hang together so well is the obvious delight the musicians took in working with each other and playing this material, and the way they relax into each piece without grandstanding or selfishness. Great fun, and much recommended.” – Simon Adams, Jazz Journal

“What unites these guys from cold climes is a love of Latin tunes and rhythms and, obviously, the kind of musicianship that delivers them with verve and panache. They kick off with a bustling version of Cal Tjader’s ‘Mamblues’ featuring the muscular horns and warm fluent guitar in various solo outings. I have to say too that Haslam’s rich, sinuous baritone is one of my favourite sounds in contemporary jazz and it’s great to hear him trade licks with Waterman’s trumpet. Hear him too on the Waterman original, ‘Nowhere To Go’ where his playing is eloquent, powerful but controlled…This is a set of infectious and uplifting pieces that mix fine ensemble work with shapely, melodic soloing from all concerned…full of exuberant, life-enhancing sounds that will bear frequent replaying .” – Paul Donnelly, Ejazznews

“Two trios met at a festival in Lapland and decided to “inject a little Latin sunshine into the permafrost”. This is the result. It all sounds a bit unlikely, but the end product is really lively and enjoyable. Among the pieces they play are Jobim’s “Retrato em Branco et Preto”, featuring Robin Jones on the Brazilian berimbau (the world’s spookiest-sounding instrument), and a number from the Buena Vista Social Club repertoire, in which trumpeter Steve Waterman catches the Cuban style to perfection.” – Dave Gelly, The Observer

Recorded at Coldroom Studios, Oxford, 17th April 2003.
Recorded and mixed by Matt Culpepper.
Mastered by Tim Turan.

SLAM CATALOGUE