Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble
Blueprints
Chicago Sessions
www.chicagosessions.com
By George W. Harris

Co-lead by Victor Garcia/tp and Darwin Noguera/p, the CALJE is a Chicago based big band that features adventurous and aggressive performances that range from ricocheting salsa to reggae-driven hard bop. All the songs are composed by the leaders, and they make the band roar like the Indy 500. Guests include Steve Turre/tb and Juan Turros/ts, the former who adds some gliding brass on “Captain Spok” and the illuminating title track, while the former brandishes his horn on “Send Eggs.” A couple of songs include some lithe vocals by Nythia Martinez, but the spotlight is on the exciting charts, which will get your engine revved up in no time.