Frank Colón is a well-known Latin percussionist, and here he is providing us with an album recorded in Brazil with local musicians incuding trumpeter José Arimateia, flautist Carlos Malta, Julio Falavigna on drums, and bassist Estevão Lima, along with harmonica, accordion, two strings, and four very different guitarists. He wrote all the songs, and from a percussive viewpoint he is more than happy to just stay in the background providing the Latin beat for the others to play against. The bass is probably the most important element apart from percussion, as it is warm and inviting, and sets the tempo. During “Easy Does It” Lima stays in the background providing the link to the trumpet, and then there are a couple of runs where he totally changes tempo and style, mixing modern fusion into the mix.
The use of different musicians and instruments to take on the lead role means the album is incredibly varied in its approach, but always returning to the album title as its mantra. Colón says, “Latin Lounge will move your body, touch your heart, and soothe your soul. The blend of musical cultures raises consciousness, brings people together, and promotes peace. ‘Latin Lounge’ transports the listener to a land they’ve always imagined, but never knew existed.” It will certainly make you move, and with a glass of rum in your hand, the future can look very bright indeed.
Rating: 7/10
