In review--Sizzling Summer Jazz
Hilario Duran Trio Motion Alma Records Roberto Occhipinti A bend in the river Alma Records I love Latin jazz piano and after listening to Cuban-born Hilario Duran’s Motion several times, I’d have to say Duran is among the crème of crème of Latin pianist. I immediately heard the connection to Cuban jazz players a trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and reedman Paquito D’Rivera and pianist Chucho Valdes (all Cubanos associated with Duran). While Duran usually composes for big bands, he’s right at home with his trio which features Roberto Occhipinti on bass and Mark Kelso on drums. And dang, this music gets the blood pumping from the get-go. It grabs listeners and holds them hostage for the duration of the 8 tracks. Aptly titled, Motion never stops moving. These musicians work up a sweat, delving into complicated rhythms with aplomb. I’m reminded of another trio led by pianist Michel Camilo, another musician that recalls the Energizer Bunny. Conversation with a Lunatic flies