Poncho Sanchez – Latin Spirits

Latin Spirits
Poncho Sanchez
(Concord Picante – 2001)
by Sidney Bechet-Mandela

In many ways, “Latin Spirits,” is a typical Poncho Sanchez album, which, if you know his music, means that you’re done reading this and clicking the Amazon.com link on this page and ordering it. There’s great Latin jazz, fabulous Afro-Cuban riffs and a lush romantic ballad, “Quieres Volver,” sung by Sanchez in Spanish. What also is included among the eleven tracks are a number of funk-laced up tempo soul-jazz numbers, including the too-hot “Next Exit.”

Louis Jordan’s hit “Early In The Morning,” and “Going Back To New Orleans,” which features the vocal work of N’awlins style singer Dale Spalding and San Francisco Bay area acid jazz queen Ledisi. All in all, the spirits are smoking on this release, that also features Chick Corea on the title track, which he also wrote.