Ron Rieder: Latin Jazz Sessions

Even while pursuing a long and successful career in the physical sciences, Bostonian Ron Rieder never abandoned his life-long love for jazz, especially the tantalizing melodies and lively rhythms of Latin America, composing music at every opportunity before returning to writing full-time and at long last recording his debut album, Latin Jazz Sessions

It was worth the wait. Rieder's colorful tunes ensnare the ears from the outset and never let go, while his septet plays Latin jazz about as well as anyone could wish. There are sambas here, at least one mambo, and several persuasive Afro-Cuban themes. The ensemble's solid rhythmic base consists of drummer Mark Walker, percussionist Ricardo Monzon, guitarist Claudio Ragazzi and bassists Oscar Stagnaro or Gerson Esteban Lazo Quiroga, with steel drummer Ron Reid (the name is coincidental) added on the irrepressible "St. John" and prancing finale, "Capitol Mayhem."

Melodically, the session rests for the most part in the capable hands of tenor saxophonist Mike Tucker, flutist Fernando Brandao and pianist Alain Mallet, who blend well together and produce many invigorating solos. Brandao is especially impressive on the ambrosial "Gardenias," Mallet on the opening "Un Coco Loco" and fast-paced "Mambo Jumbo." The carefree "Spring Serenade," with Brandao's flute taking the lead, is a delightful change of pace, while sambas are represented by "The Samba Moon" and "Samba Feliz."

"Pescado" and "From Dawn to Dusk," which round out the enticing session, are no less pleasing than the songs already mentioned. If there is anything less than agreeable here, it is the use of the fade at the end of most numbers, enabling the ensemble to simply ride into the sunset. But that is a minor quibble, one that can be easily brushed aside when everything else is so clearly admirable. Lovers of Latin jazz, this one is for you.

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