Sonido Isleño
Tresero, 2005, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 11.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: The energy level is high with a group of guys who really enjoy playing together. Sonido Isleño is led by Dr. Ben Lapidus, the guitarist who wrote and arranged all ten tracks. Among the best is “La Suegra” which really swings. The Caribbean beats prevail with a wealth of percussive beats sprinkled in, especially at the end of “Taino”. They have a respect for jazz legends and include a cool tribute Ornette Coleman, “Ornetteando” which is decidedly flavored with Latin spices. We caught them live at the Green Mill in Chicago and that experience furthered our appreciation of the hot band.
