CHEMBO CORNIEL 12.20.18
PERSONNEL
Tonight's leader Wilson Corniel is a native of New York City, as is percussionist Willie Martinez. These two drummers are good friends and have played with each other in various bands for over 40 years. One can only imagine the chemistry developed between these masterful musicians given that time period. Paying homage to the legendary conguero Ray Barretto, each of the 4 musicians on the stage had played with the great Barretto himself, and the night had a very "familiar" feel to it. All of the members of the band seemingly could duck and move with grace and style on cue, and it was a true pleasure to experience. Surprisingly the selections were more straight ahead jazz than one may have anticipated, but the results were pure magic. Pianist's Nicki Denner's arrangements for the quartet allowed ample room for each player to flex their musical muscle. This show was a hell of a lot of fun!
Smiles all around: Chembo's jokes were flying almost as fast as his hands this evening.
The temperature rises.
Drummer Willie Martinez and Chembo Corniel have been friends for roughly 40 years.
Martinez and Corniel have each hosted their own tribute shows for Dangerous Rhythms. Their styles are the perfect compliment.
The fantastic Nicki Danner who who was responsible for most of the written arrangements for this Ray Barretto tribute show.
Grooving with bassist extraordinaire Bernie Minoso.
These guys are consummate professionals and it is evident when they play together. Like finishing one's sentences...
Doing the master Ray Barretto proud. Chembo Corniel hd played many times with the Latin jazz legend.
Minoso's bass playing was big and animated... soloing regularly and with a heavy, funky style.
This show was a hell of a lot of fun... and felt like a true family affair. A great, warm atmosphere.