Description
Label Review.
2019 album. Latin Jazz.
Our Overview.
New York jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Bill O’Connell and accompanist for some of the most celebrated names in jazz and Latin music, together with The Afro Caribbean Ensemble, have collaborated their exceptional talents and are finally releasing their debut album ‘Wind Off The Hudson’. The art form commonly referred to as Latin Jazz is a musical expression of the heart and soul of New York, an exciting reflection of the rhythms and spirit of the city’s merging of Latino and African-American cultures. The music of Bill O’Connell is a product of that captivating and immersive environment.
After a 40-year long career that has seen him excel as a leader, soloist, arranger, musical director, and accompanist for some of the most celebrated names in jazz and Latin music - including the legendary Chet Baker and Sonny Rollins with whom he toured the United States and Europe - Bill O’Connell can lay claim to a track record of challenging and artistic-diverse triumphs that few of his peers can match. As a recording artist of universal critical acclaim his talents as a pianist and arranger have been tapped by a diverse range of noted soloists to elevate their sessions. Today, as both a respected educator and leader of The Latin Jazz All-Stars, O’Connell’s professional life brims with new opportunities to express and fulfill his singular music vision.
The Afro Caribbean Ensemble, ACE for short, makes their recording debut on this album and the star-studded roster perform O’Connell’s tricky arrangements with virtuoso aplomb. O’Connell says, “I’ve been planning on this recording for the better part of the past decade.” His dedication is evident in every bar.
”Bill O’Connell’s piano playing highlights his total command over the keys. Everything you could possibly look for in a pianist - taste, clarity of touch, technique, wit, erudition, harmonic depth, lyricism, rhythmic authority - is here for the taking.”- Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
Band Members: Bill O’Connell (piano), Andrea Brachfeld , flutes), Craig Handy (soprano and alto saxophone), Ralph Bowen (tenor saxophone), Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone, Alex Sipiagin (trumpet), Conrad Herwig (trombone), Lincoln Goines (electric bass), Robby Ameen (drums), Roman Diaz (congas).