RON RIEDER

LATIN JAZZ SESSIONS

Independent label

Ron Rieder, composer; Alain Mallet, piano; Ricardo Monzon, percussion; Claudio Ragazzi, guitar; Ron Reid, steel drums; Oscar Stagnaro & Gerson Lazo-Quiroga, bass; Mark Walker, drums; Mike Tucker, tenor saxophone; Fernando Brando, flute.

Every now and then I run across an album that was produced by a composer to showcase their music.  Ron Rieder is a gifted composer who has hired a group of competent Latin Jazz musicians to interpret his creativity. As a composer, he makes his recording debut with this Latin jazz Session that offers us ten exhilarating Afro-Cuban arrangements of songs he has written.

The first thing I notice about a tune called “Un Coco Loco” is the melodic quality of Rieder’s composition skills.  His music makes you want to hum along.  This music will inspire dancers and musicians alike.  Pianist Alain Mallet sets the tone and tempo at the intro, playing chord changes that sound a lot like “Tequila,” a song Wes Montgomery made a smash hit.  But soon Rieder’s lovely melody develops and creates a melody that’s entirely its own creation. Mike Tucker steps into the spotlight on an improvised tenor saxophone solo that elevates the arrangement.

Fernando Brandão shows off his talent on flute during a spirited solo while playing a song called “The Samba Moon.” Ricardo Monzon on percussion and Mark Walker on drums lock the groove into place. Rieder’s composition “Mambo Jumbo” will make you want to dance. Once again, the rhythm is what elevates these songs.  Latin jazz is just plain Happy Music!

On a tune called “St. John,” Rieder adds Ron Reid on steel drums to lift and punctuate this arrangement with Brazilian carnival joy. Gerson Lazo-Quiroga sparkles on his electric bass solo.

Here is music that showcases how Rieder’s debut album of “Latin Jazz Sessions” not only introduces us to his composer talents, but this is music that can lift your mood and inspire happiness.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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