Sharks Eat Meat

Thursday, May 9, 2024

NEW MUSIC - Funky Frijoles

Funky Frijoles - Victor Rendón & Bronx Conexión Latin Jazz Big Band

Just in time for summer Victor Rendón & The Bronx Conexión Latin Jazz Big Band have released a new album titled “Funky Frijoles.” Full of eight hardy songs with homages to the greats such as Tito Puente and Benny More.

All the tracks are original compositions with the exclusion of “Malaguena Salerosa,” a classic by Miguel Aceves Miejía. The Bronx Conexión’s moody New York flavored rendition is a refreshing take.

“Funky Frijoles” has an impressively thick, full horn section, energetic crisply clean stereo percussion, and intricate and sophisticated solos and progressive movements throughout each track. The whole album is great for a relaxing day in the sun or nighttime dance party. Many tracks are bright, playful, and uplifting, and even the moody or brooding parts are delightfully rhythmic.

Some of my favorite tracks are “!Basta!,” “Funky Frijoles,” and “Bomba Dreams.” “!Basta!” is a punchy, Tito Puente inspired mambo with bold timbales and a hot sax section by Paul Carlon. “Funky Frijoles” is a syncopated groove punctuated with jazzy salsa motifs. The blending of styles is what New York Latin Jazz is all about. “Bomba Dreams,” a moody sicá from the Puerto Rican bomba genre has lightning quick free flowing wild woodwind and brass solos.

“Morningside” is another stand-out track, with impressively punchy tropical solos that
don’t disappoint. “Bronx Detour” is an old school melodic mambo with blues themes that are sure to entertain. Slower songs such as the “The Moment,” a smooth ballad with bolero flair and “Black Water” an Afro-Cuban bembé with heavy horn harmonies, dark tones, and sassy horn solos round out the outstanding album.

Lively energetic album art accompanies the music by band leader Victor Rendón’s son, Victor Manuel Rendón, also a talented musician. As an artist and musician, Victor’s art always has a perfect sense of visual rhythm and well-balanced compositions.

If you enjoy classic mambo, salsa and jazz, the group’s acclaimed previous albums “Mambo Boulevard” and “True Flight,” are a real treat. Visit the band’s website to listen and learn more. The album is available directly from the band, Apple music and YouTube. For all your art and culture news make sure to follow SharksEatMeat.

Band Website - https://bronxconexion.com/
Funky Frijoles - https://bronxconexion.com/cds-downloads

Album Credits -
Victor Rendon - timbales, timbalitos, bateria, bata (iya)
Wilson "Chembo" Corniel - congas, guiro, bata (itotele)
Cascadú - shekere, dundun, clave, bata (okonkolo)
Yasuko Kimura - bongo, cencerro, maraca
Jessica Valiente-flauta
Al Acosta, Jorge Castro - saxofon alto
Paul Carlon, Joe Stelluti, Peter Brainin - saxofon tenor
Karl Watson - saxofon baritono
Michael Viñas - bajo
Guido Gonzalez, Anibal Martinez, Kathleen Doran, Marck McGowan - trompeta
Rick Faulkner, Leonard Walworth, David Chamberlain - trombon
George Saenz - trombon bajo
Joe Mannozzi - piano
Victor Manuel Rendon - album art