Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours from The Badlands by Papo Vazquez

If so, then you’re either listening to Papo Vazquez’s Pirates Troubadours from the Badlands, or you’re about to listen.

“From the Badlands” features some of today’s finest musicians exploring everything from Jazz Waltz (“Lina’s Waltz”) to Aguinaldo, by a group of musicians well versed in both the Jazz and Latin idioms. The band’s musical prowess comes across on track, after track featuring blistering solo performances from Sherman Irby (alto sax & flute), Willie Williams (tenor and soprano sax) and Papo Vazquez (trombone, percussion and vocals) over the rhythmic smorgasbord laid down by the rhythm section anchored by Ricky Rodriguez (bass), Edsel Gomez or Fred McFarlane (piano), Henry Cole or Victor Jones (drums) and percussionists Anthony Carrillo, Richie Flores, Joe Gonzalez, Juan Gutierrez and Roberto Cepeda, who is also featured on vocals. Vocalist Herman Olivera also shines, as do the special invited guests on the cuatro, Yomo Toro and Edgardo Miranda, trumpeter Nelson Jaime, and Milton Cardona on coro.

Make no mistake about it these mighty MF’s come charging at you from every conceivable angle. Their musical assault is relentless and in your face. Their message is on point. This is music that demands your attention from the very first note. It doesn’t get any better than this. It’s raw and powerful, yet soothing. It’s thought provoking, yet entertaining.

All of the music on this release was composed and arranged by Papo Vazquez. Keeping true to his compositional style, the repertoire is a fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms (Bomba: Yuba; Hoyo de Mula; and Sica, Plena, Aguinaldo, Mambo and Guaracha) fused with progressive melodic and harmonic elements of Jazz. “Lina’s Waltz”, a lovely Jazz Waltz, is the only tune on the release free of any fusion. The rest of the tunes offer a glimpse into the musical mind of one of today’s premiere exponents in the world of Jazz.

From the Badlands is Papo’s fifth recording since the release of his critically acclaimed solo debut, Breakout. With each recording he has grown as a composer and arranger. This latest offering showcases his skills as composer, arranger and soloist. His presence is felt throughout this musical voyage that explores mediocrity, treason, brutality, and even death. Treacherous waters like these can only be maneuvered by mighty M.F.’s like Papo Vazquez’s Pirates Troubadours. This is not a musical journey for the faint of heart. If you’re in search of a musical adventure then we invite you aboard as we embark on a journey you’ll soon not forget.

George Rivera

Jazz Con Clave

Papo's New CD Pirates Troubadours from The Badlands

Featuring:

Sherman Irby - Alto Sax & Flute

Willie Williams - Ten.Sax & Sop. Sax

Edsel Gomez - Piano

Ricky Rodriguez - Bass

Anthony Carrillo - Perc.

Roberto Cepeda - Voc. & Perc.

Juan Gutierrez - Perc.

Richie Flores - Perc.

Victor Jones - Drums

Henry Cole - Drums

Herman Olivera - Vocals on three tracks, invited guest

Milton Cardona - Coro

Yomo Toro - Cuatro, invited guest

Nelson Jaime - Trumpet, invited guest

Edgardo Miranda - Cuatro, Invited Guest

Freddie Mc Farlane - Piano

Felipe Luciano - News Reporter

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