Search - Jerry Gonzalez :: Earthdance

Recommended for fans of straight-ahead jazz/latin jazz

William Jones | Rockville, MD USA | 09/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jerry Gonzalez (trumpet/flugelhorn/congas), Andy Gonzalez (bass) and Steve Berrios (drums) have recorded and toured with just about everyone in the Latin Jazz universe--Mongo Santamaria, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Barretto and Eddie Palmieri. The group, which also includes Larry Willis (piano), Carter Jefferson (Tenor Sax) and Joe Ford (alto/soprano sax), can play jazz or Afro-Cuban rhythms with equal comfort. Anyone who has seen Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band live has, most likely, heard some of the selections on Earthdance. The Wayne Shorter composition "Fe-Fi Fo Fum", Ron Carter's "81", Thelonius Monk's "Let's Call This": at least one of these is usually included in a typical set. From the opening notes of "Nightfall", the influence of Miles Davis is clear in Jerry Gonzalez's muted trumpet. Thelonius Monk's "Let's Call This" sounds made for a "3 on 2", clave, latin feel. It's my favorite on the album, followed closely by "81". Jerry Gonzalez's conga drums seem buried in the mix, as does Andy Gonzalez's bass. The recording is a bit muddy, sounding at times as if it were recorded through microphones enclosed in cellophane. Nonetheless, this is the Fort Apache Band in fine form. Well worth a listen."

A rising force in Latin Jazz

M. Velazquez | Miami, FL USA | 09/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard nearly all of The Fort Apache Band's albums, and I have to say, this stands out as a favorite of mine... even more than Moliendo Cafe, an album which I thought I'd never stop listening to.



Jerry Gonzalez (who many credit for having coined the term "Latin Jazz") proves that he and The Fort Apache Band deserve credit among the ranks of influential Latin jazz artists. The entire album is great, but some standout tracks would be Earthdance, Nightfall, and a near-genius rendition of Thelonius Monk's Let's Call This.



If you've never heard Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band before, then this would be a great place to start, followed by Moliendo Cafe. You definitely won't regret checking them out."

The finest latin jazz

philippe sergues | Paris, France | 05/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jerry Gonzalez and Fort Apache legacy is unique in Latin Jazz.
The first deep real accomplished fusion between Rumba and Bee Bop.
Im a unconditional fan of the Band for that reason.
Earthdance is my favorite even "Rumba para Monk" is the best known. "Ya yo me cure" is more roots but very interesting too.
Interaction Solos of Carter Jefferson on tenor and Joe Ford on Alto, in "lets call this" and "81" tunes, are way far the best solos they ever recorded in studio. Jefferson was something...
This CD is a master piece of Latin Jazz, even the recording could have been better. Don't hesitate if you like Latin Jazz, buy it!Sincerely
Philippe sergues (Chango Association, Paris)"