Several weeks ago in my review of El Clan Destino’s concert at Capitol Lakes, I mentioned that Nick had given me a copy of their 2004 release, “Ruckus.” I said it then and I’ll say it now, this is a great CD: a variety of interesting songs, superb musicianship, and terrific sound quality. This week Madison Jazz features El Ruckus from that CD.
El Ruckus was written by Frank Martinez, the group’s drummer, and presents the rawer, rhythmic side of El Clan Destino. It was difficult to choose just one song since each is good but presents a different side of the band. There also is From Within, a latin jazz tune by pianist, Michel Camilo; a fresh interpretation of Led Boots from the “Wired” CD by rock guitarist, Jeff Beck; and six originals by Vince Fuh. If you want to hear a sweeter, more melodic side of El Clan Destino check out Undine by Vince Fuh. This song plays in the background of their website and is their most popular song according to Nick.
The CD is available through CD Baby or at B-Side Records (on State Street) and Strictly Discs (on Monroe Street). The musicians as pictured from left to right above (with their old hair styles – Jamie is the latest to trim his locks much shorter):
Vincent Fuh – piano
Nick Moran – electric and string bass
Francisco Martinez – drums and percussion
Jamie Ryan – congas and percussion
Like everyone else I don’t like to look foolish. That’s why I rarely write reviews. I’m not a professional musician or writer, and my listening skills are not much better than average, especially with Cuban and other types of Latin music. Keep that disclaimer in mind because I’m wading in anyway. The El Clan Destino concert at Capitol Lakes last Thursday deserves the spotlight. It was a night of exciting music, outstanding musicianship, and educational discussion, all at a great venue that deserves the spotlight itself.
So back to that disclaimer, I wish I were more familiar with Latin song forms. I have a friend who spent years competing in dance contests. She loves to hear Madisalsa play and knows exactly what kind of dance goes with each song. I’ll confess that when I hear Latin music it reminds me of my early experiences listening to bebop, it sounds a bit like a foreign language. I haven’t listened to it enough to have an adequate frame of reference.
El Clan Destino in performance
Despite this lack of familiarity El Clan Destino’s music was easy for me to get into because it is all about percussion. Between Frank Martinez on the drum kit, and Jamie Ryan on the hand drums every song has a lively bed of rhythm, sometimes almost a wall of rhythm. The bottom is anchored by Nick Moran on bass while Vince Fuh’s keyboard fireworks explode over the top. All are experts on their instruments and on Thursday all sang, with everyone except Vince taking a turn as the lead singer. Frank is a powerful baritone, and I was surprised that Nick and Jamie sing equally well since I don’t usually think of them as singers.
What a beautiful day yesterday! The weather is warming up and so is the Madison jazz scene. Here are the highlights for the rest of the week:
Wednesday, February 11: The New Breed Jazz Jam at the Cabana Room. Have you figured out that I like the jam? Nothing to say here, I’ve said it all before (click the New Breed tag at the end of the article for previous posts).
Thursday, February 12: El Clan DestinoConcert and Lecture 7:30 at Capitol Lakes. See my previous post. I haven’t heard them yet, but my friend raves about them. I will be there.
Friday, February 13: Andy Bey 8:00 at the Memorial Union Theater. I never heard of Andy Bey until seeing him on the bill for this concert. If you haven’t either, a good place to start is with this print and audio NPR profile. Better yet see this video:
Dave Stoler was handing out flyers for this concert at last week’s jam. I’m not sure what connection Dave has to this performance, but the last time I received an email about a concert he was pushing it turned out to be my favorite concert of the year. See special events for ticket prices, etc.
Saturday, February14: The Stellanovas are doing their “cafe jazz” thing at Talula’s. Talula’s is a newish restaurant (since last summer) that has received positive reviews and now has music every weekend with Harmonious Wail, The Stellanovas, and others. Better call now if you want reservations for Valentine’s Day.
As always, for more information on other Madison jazz events check out Crazeology’s Jazz Calendar.
Next week is a good one for jazz in Madison. I’ll write about some of the other events later, but for now let’s focus on a special event this coming Thursday night: El Clan Destino will give a concert performance and lecture on their Afro-Cuban musical influences at Capitol Lakes Grand Hall at 7:30.
El Clan Destino features music inspired by African and Cuban traditions as well as American Jazz and Funk. Their repertoire features hard-hitting renditions of works by Chucho Valdez, Michel Camilo, and Chano Dominquez (all innovators in latin jazz piano), progressive originals, and arrangements of indigenous sacred and secular vocal music of Cuba.
In addition to the musical performance, the group will provide musical and historical background on the classic, sacred, folkloric, and contemporary Afro-Cuban rhythms they use. Anyone interested in latin rhythms, latin jazz, and understanding more about the African Diaspora will want to attend.
At 9 pm tonight WYOU (Charter Channel 95 or Digital 991) will air Part 2 of a Lecture/ Demonstration by Joan Wildman and Friends that occured April, 2008 as part of an MMC presentation. The musicians include:
Joan Wildman, pianist
Richard Lottridge, bassoon
Willy Walter, bassoon
Laurie Lang, bass
Ben Karetnick, drums
MMC Presents events are broadcast on WYOU every Sunday evening at 9 p.m.
Upcoming MMC events:
2/12/09 El Clan Destino performance
3/19/09 Jane Reynolds/Fabu Carter Brisco on Mary Lou Williams
4/02/09 Joan Wildman/Joe Fonda/Ben Karetnick performance & animations
5/21/09 Randall Harrison Trio performance
MMC Presents is presented in the Capitol Lakes Grand Hall, 333 W Main
St., Madison, WI.
Several weeks ago in my review of El Clan Destino’s concert at Capitol Lakes, I mentioned that Nick had given me a copy of their 2004 release, “Ruckus.” I said it then and I’ll say it now, this is a great CD: a variety of interesting songs, superb musicianship, and terrific sound quality. This week Madison Jazz features El Ruckus from that CD.
