Pete Escovedo
E Music
(Concorde Picante 2000)
by Paula Edelstein
The flair, the artistry, spirituality and passion of Pete Escovedo continues on the evocative E MUSIC, a ten-composition set performed by an all-star ensemble the legendary bandleader assembled especially for this CD. As a leader, Pete Escovedo has shown remarkable class and style and continues that lineage with this commanding performance that he shares with his stunningly beautiful and talented daughter Sheila Escovedo. With such brilliant musical guests as George Duke, Ray Obiedo, and Ray Vega, Escovedo’s signature sound is realized on songs that epitomize the mambo, guajira, cha cha cha and the samba. The master showman and legendary bandleader plays timbales, percussion, and adds his great vocals to “Mis Amigos,” “Si Te Contara,” and the ever-so-smooth samba “La Samba.”
The saxophone solo from Justo Almario adds just the right spice to this piece. “Praise and Worship,” originally a gospel tune written by one of the music directors at Sheila E’s Los Angeles church, now has a mambo and salsa inflected rhythmic transformation and works well. Brazilian master Ivan Lins’ “Setembro” gets a brilliant piano solo by George “Jorge” Duke! Ray Vega’s great trumpet is muted on “Miles Away” and with both Pete and Sheila on congas, percussion and drums, Vega gets his point across on this excellent song written and composed by him.
But it is the premier, dynamic performance of The Escovedos: Pete, Sheila and Peter Michael, that close this excellent CD with their E MUSIC that will seal their showcase of scorching rhythms in your soul! “Escolandia,” intensifies the soul-stirring, bold and sensuous sounds that continue to remain at the heart of the Escovedo tradition of brilliance. Feel the heat of the great E Music that ignites the soul for yourself by listening to E STREET, FLYING SOUTH, MISTER E and YESTERDAY’S MEMORIES – TOMORROW’S DREAMS.
For more information visit Pete Escovedo at http://www.concordrecords.com.