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by Avance featuring Karl Perazzo, Luis Morales, Jeff Cordoba, Armando Cordoba.
Seguimos, an album masterminded by Santana percussionist Karl Perazzo, Armando Cordoba and Luis Guidos and performed by Karl's band Avance, is a recording that will satisfy pop fans, Latin aficionados, and critics alike. It’s all down to his modus operandi. Karl has ensured that Seguimos has been exceptionally well recorded. And he’s racked up some truly memorable songs. Finally, the musicians’ parts allude to traditional and modern musical styles in a pleasing balance.
Take, for example, "Para Amarte", which begins with a keyboard sequence in the upper register—a dose of electronica here—then yields to the sort of sonorous vocals you’d hear on MTV, set against a backdrop of a traditional rhythm section playing in 2-3 clave.
"Jamas" carries on in the salsa tradition. The first thing you notice is the trombone and how that instrument contributes to the lush sonic texture. The vocals and vocal chorus are in Spanish but there’s plenty of detail and melody here to interest non-Spanish speakers.
Introducing a new vocal timbre (Luis Guidos), "Dime Como Vuelvo Tener Tucorazon" continues in salsa tradition. Again, those trombone voicings are brilliant! From the piano montuno, roughly the 3:36 mark, also the start of a refreshing key modulation, and towards the exit, the vocal timing is uncanny; it comes down on the "four" of just about every measure in Cuban fashion.
The tempo picks up in "Sigue El Sabor". Armando Cordoba’s cutting vocals complement a busier rhythm track punctuated by Karl’s crisp timbale fills. This is a more traditional number and it pumps along, until an ensemble crescendo, stated earlier, brings this number to a full stop, leaving you wanting for more.
Track five, "Sinti", is an interesting construction. Underneath the dancing cascara and salsa kick drum, we have the entry of snare drum in the intro, injecting a little pop appeal before falling silent. Armando Cordoba turns in exciting lead vocals throughout. The montuno/mambo section (3:00) jumps into fifth gear, thanks to innovative horn lines and percussion/vocal shots.
Ah, to a softer, gentler song. Lovers take note: "Necesit As Amor" could be the first dance at your wedding—providing you forgo the usual waltz.
"La Maya" begins with a curious, repetitive trombone line—in fact, one that would ordinarily be played on piano. It’s another nice touch that lifts this album above the rank and file.
Speaking about piano, "Back A Tone", commences with the rich tones of acoustic piano, which meld well with the vocals: "you’re the only one for me". A drumset enters around the 3:01 mark (is that Karl? It’s uncredited) but thankfully it’s not a harsh backbeat: Call it a Perazzo Songo!
An interesting sonic texture—a cross between a harpsichord and a sitar—defines the intro of "Bella (She’s All I Ever Had)". The song is a typical Cuban/Puerto Rican salsa, but perhaps with a little L.A. in the formula. Finding oneself bumper to bumper on the 405 might be more pleasurable with this one coming through the car stereo.
Perhaps we proclaimed a radio hit too soon. "Suspiro De Calma" is the real media bullet of the bunch. It has a pop backbeat, and the gentle yet forceful vocals of Armando Cordoba, combined with the tasteful guitar of guest Ray Obeido.
Next is an effective cover of Richard Marx’s "This I Promise You". In the chorus (approx. 1:02) Karl plays a repetitive, simple pattern on a larger LP cowbell with what appears to be a soft beater. It’s the perfect sound and the perfect part. A seamless meeting of Latin rhythms with pop melody.
Back to traditional territory, "Como Puedo Olvidarte (Dime)" is a chance to hear Karl’s bell sync up precisely with Robert Karty’s piano. This is the stuff of greatness. This is one you’ll be humming long after.
For "Maria Maria/Esa Mujer", Karl is joined by his bandleader, the great Carlos Santana, who, of course, penned this instantly recognizable number. The current is a fine version, urged on by Carlos’ evocative electric guitar lines. The arrangement builds up steam continuously, right to the fade. The pairing of long time collaborators, Perazzo and Santana, is a particularly appropriate closer.
For more information, please visit: www.monarecords.com
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