David Sanchez – Coral

Coral
David Sanchez
(Sony – 2004)

This is a deep CD. Coral is Puerto Rican sax man David Sánchez’ most ambitious recording to date, and his first with a symphony orchestra. The album includes important, though rarely performed, works by Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos and Argentina’s Alberto Ginastera, in addition to two classically-inspired works by Brazilian bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim, two originals by Sánchez and one by the session’s string arranger and conductor, Carlos Franzetti.

Two years in the making, Coral is a beguiling blend of symphonic, Latin American and jazz elements, all tied together by the imposing and insightful improvisations of the 35-year-old native of Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. Recorded in The Czech Republic with one of Europe’s premier symphonies, The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Coral also features alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón, pianist Edsel Gomez, bassists John Benitez and Ben Street, drummer Adam Cruz, and percussionist Pernell Saturnino. The program’s centerpiece works are two compositions by Jobim, two by Ginastera and the title piece by Villa-Lobos. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra performs on all tracks.