Zapato Negro - Live at The Cellar
Artist: Zapato Negro
Title: Zapato Negro – Live at The Cellar
Label: Cellar Live
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
Zapato Negro's latest release is resplendent with rhythmic melodies, energetic beats, and sultry lines. This production, recorded live at "The Cellar" in Vancouver, Canada features some of the most refreshing Afro-Cuban tunes on the scene today. Notable are blistering trumpet notes by Miguel Angel Valdes, mesmerizing, frenetic conga beats by Ivan Soto and flowing comps on the piano by Andre Carrasquero. Also of note are Allan Johnston's soothing and swaying bass lines and Gilberto Moreaux's timely and skillfully executed drum display.
While any track on this disc could be lauded for its astute acumen and sense of melody, Blanc Et Noir exhibits a trancelike bassline at its mid-point while Carrasquero's delicate vamp throughout combines and creates a bebop- meets- Afro-Cuban texture. 20 Years Later is equally adept at painting a pensive, flowing landscape. Here it is Johnston, Soto, and Moreaux whose interplay captures the sounds of a festive Havana speakeasy.
On A Final Wish?, the band mellows out into a semi-ballad tune that is oh-so-soothing and melodically appealing. Equally, City Wildflower demonstrates that Zapato Negro is more than just a band that engages in pyrotechnic Afro-Cuban pomp minus substance. Lyrically tender, this tune has the immediate effect of calming the nerves and delighting the ears.
'Tis rare in today's market of “one-hit wonders” and rhythmically sedated tunes that an entire disc exudes a high level of band cohesion, skill, and creativity. Zapato Negro bucks that doleful trend by offering a collage of bright, fresh melodies and rhythms as evidenced by the live audience's reaction during and after each track. This production is indeed an aural gem.
Track Listing: Jazz Tumbao Thing/ A Final Wish?/ Segundo Recreo/ Caminando/ 20 Years Later/ Frankness/ City Wildflower/ Blanc Et Noir/ Caravan
Personnel: Miguel Angel Valdes – trumpet & flugelhorn; Andre Carrasquero – piano; Allan Johnston – bass; Gilberto Moreaux – drums; Ivan Soto – congas.