Vega, Ray
Palmetto, 2004, CD
Instrument: Trumpet
Issue: 10.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 5
Score: 
O’s Notes: Ray (t) plays with Bobby Porcelli (sax), Igor Atalita (p), Greg August (b), Wilson Corniel (percussion) and Adam Weber (d) on his second release on Palmetto. They open with “Black Nile” swinging with a Latin beat that establishes their presence right away. Moving into “Smile You’re In Beirut” they display poise among chaos, maintaining a groove while allowing soloists to explode on the surface. These are new compositions that are fresh and fulfilling. We especially liked “Both” written by Porcelli and the bouncy “La Tercera”.