Gato Barbieri - Caliente! (1976/2021) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Believe it or not, this Argentinian-born saxophonist spent his early years playing in the jazz avant-garde with the likes of Don Cherry. But for all his free-form experiments, "the Cat" hit his stride with this pristine piece of seminal pop-jazz. His emotional, warm-blooded playing, gritty-sweet tone, and Latin-laced grooves slide down smooth and easy. Covers of Santana's "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)" and Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" remain faithful to the originals' vibe, yet take on a seductive Spanish accent thanks to Barbieri's expressive tenor and a battery of Latin percussion. Elsewhere, hip-swiveling rhythms and tuneful arrangements of cuts like "Fiesta," "Behind the Rain," and "Los Desperados" simply simmer. Drummer Lenny White kicks down a rock-solid beat, percussionists Ralph MacDonald and Mtume add the spice that's funky and nice, and producer Herb Alpert (of Tijuana Brass, and the "A" in A&M Records) polishes the proceedings to a glossy sheen with colorful orchestrations and silky strings.

TRACKLIST

1. Gato Barbieri - Fireflies
2. Gato Barbieri - Fiesta
3. Gato Barbieri - Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile)
4. Gato Barbieri - Don't Cry Rochelle
5. Gato Barbieri - Adios - Part I
6. Gato Barbieri - I Want You
7. Gato Barbieri - Behind The Rain
8. Gato Barbieri - Los Desperados
9. Gato Barbieri - Adios - Part II



Thanks to the Original customer.