Pianist Michael Eckroth is not foreign to success. He’s worked with artists such as John Scofield, Ron McClure, Paul McCandless, and Eliot Zigmund. He’s equally adept at all styles of Latin music, having been a part of the Grammy-nominated Cuban project Orquestra Akokan, and he has served as a collaborator and musical director in numerous capacities. Furthermore, he has released many albums under his name and has just finished up another gem for us to enjoy.
The newest release by Mike Eckroth on Truth Revolution Recording Collective, entitled Plena, explodes to life from the opening track entitled “And so it goes.” The electrifying Plena is filled with amazing virtuosic solos from Eckroth and his cast, coupled with a rhythmic intensity led by Alex ‘Apolo’ Ayala on bass, Joel Mateo on drums, and Mauricio Herrera on congas that keeps the music sizzling from start to finish! “Summer of Love and Discontent” is a 6/8 Afro-Cuban filled with a variety of tonal colors and the trio configuration sees all members of the band shine with exquisite individual and collective artistry. The tonal scheme of the tune reflects the reminiscent nature of the title as well.
“Superspreader” is a hip tune filled with a hypnotic ostinato figure played by Eckroth and is later used as the backdrop to the seductive and lyrical melody played by Peter Brainin. Carlos Maldonado graces this track with his amazing percussion playing. The macabre dance-like nature is sure to entice many a listener, and I can see why they chose to release this as a single first!! The title track “Plena” is filled with an array of emotional landscapes and is calming to listen to. Eckroth picks things back up with “Invernadero ” which sees him with a quartet composed of piano, Edward Perez on bass, Juan Felipe Mayorga on drums, and Samuel Torres on percussion. Based on the standard, “What is this thing called love?” it is filled with that Spanish tinge, which makes it seem as if they might break out swinging at any moment! Perez takes a skillful solo to match Eckroth’s own virtuosity The trading between Eckroth and Mayorgra and Torress is a joy to listen to as well! Eckroth’s ability for clever titles can be shown with the naming of “Soul Cha.” 1970’s disco-funk meets cha-cha-cha in this very hip composition. Guest artist John Fedchock joins the fray taking a short, but oh-so-sweet solo. “Exotic particles” sees guest artist Brian Lynch link up with the band, and the Jazz Messenger leaves his mark on this album, with amazing lyrical lines that just pour out of his trumpet! Mauricio Herrera’s congo playing is exceptional on this track as well! The final track of this breathtaking album is called “Rain Song” and it sees Eckroth end with the same quartet as “Inverdaero.” Eckroth’s final solo is no holds barred as he draws on all his musical vocabulary and spins out the most amazing lines. The tune itself has a quiet, declarative nature to it and it is the perfect way to end this amazing album!
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