Conrad Herwig
The Latin Side Of Herbie Hancock; with Eddie Palmieri & Randy Brecker
Half Note Records
www.halfnote.net
By George W. Harris

The key question this wonderful release asks is: are we celebrating the compositional skills of the illustrious Herbie Hancock, or the blissful contributions of “the latin tinge” that has blessed jazz from its very beginning? Hard call, as this disc could make you search out old Blue Note 60s sessions by Hancock, or some of the latest stuff by Palmieri and Herwig.

The cooking septet which includes Craig Handy on reeds is as sharp as the fins of a 57 Chevy, with versions of “Oliloqui Valley” and “Cantaloupe Island” snapping to the beat with Ruben Rodriquez,b and Robby Ameen/dr. Handy’s flute on “Maiden Voyage” is marvelous, while Herwig himself slices into “Watermelon Man” with a sharp machete with Palmieri and Brecker making the tune a version that would make The Chamelion himself turn green with envy. Hot, hot, caliente session.