Eddie Palmieri Albums (34)
What The Critics Say
During his career, Eddie Palmieri hasn't seemed completely comfortable unless he's allowing others to challenge him. It was true at the beginning of his career when he revolutionized Latin music with his charanga, the La Perfecta ensemble; it was true during the mid-'60s when he recorded two respected dates with Cal Tjader; it was true during the '60s and '70s when he energized the Latin superstar band, the Fania All-Stars; and it was still true in early 2005 when he recorded Listen Here! Released on Concord Picante, it sees an array of excellent jazz instrumentalists sharing solo space with his regular group. First up is Regina Carter, not a natural fit for a Latin group by anyone's estimation, but still a master musician whose sprightly violin proves surprisingly sympathetic with Palmieri's tough salsa unit (and she hangs on easily when the band kicks in to a hardcore salsa halfway through). Tenor Michael Brecker and bassist Christian McBride also prove up to the task on the title track, a salsa re-imagination of Eddie Harris' near-standard "Listen Here." Elsewhere, Palmieri gets several chances to extend his arranging chops, by translating a trio of real standards -- "Tin Tin Deo," "In Walked Bud," "Nica's Dream" -- for his group. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pianist Eddie Palmieri, an innovative part of the Latin jazz and salsa scenes since the late '50s, mixes together a variety of idioms on this intriguing set. He uses a number of horns (including two or three trombones), an expanded rhythm section, occasional strings, and (on six of the 11 selections) a vocal group. Although there are some fine individual solos (including those from Palmieri and trumpeter Brian Lynch), it is the joyful sound of the ensembles that is most impressive. The individual tunes do not stick in one's mind and sometimes the music wanders away from jazz altogether into commercial salsa, but most of this set should be of interest to Afro-Cuban jazz listeners. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Innovative Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri returns to the music of his classic '60s ensemble La Perfecta on La Perfecta II. After disbanding La Perfecta in 1968 due to financial difficulties and later the death of trombonist/partner Barry Rogers in 1991, Palmieri vowed to never again perform the music he made famous. However, presented with the diligent transcriptions of La Perfecta's recordings by trombonist Doug Beavers, Palmieri felt the time had come for this music to be heard anew. What a gift. This is classic salsa, charanga, and mambo performed by some of the finest musicians in the Latin and jazz idioms. The music has just as much fire and energy as the originals, but references the best of progressive modern jazz arranging. Beavers even arranged one of Rogers' solos (on "Tirandote Flores") for three trombones. Joining in are many longtime Palmieri collaborators, like trumpeter Brian Lynch and trombonist Conrad Herwig as well as saxophonist Mario Rivera and percussionist John Rodriguez Jr. This is music you can dance to that also features forward-thinking jazz soloing of the highest order. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Backed by a superb, largish Latin jazz ensemble, Eddie Palmieri went into the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture in the Bronx to record this benefit album for the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. The elaborate piano/string synthesizer intros by the erudite pianist/leader are deceptive, for they soon give way to some heated yet paradoxically poised Afro-Cuban vamps, executed with breathtaking clarity and -- under the circumstances -- recorded quite well. Everything burns, but not blatantly; best of all is the easygoing yet sexy guajira, "Slow Visor." The soloists are all fine jazzmen, with Juancito Torres Vélez and Barry Danielen, alto saxophonist Héctor Veneros, trombonist Juan Pablo Torres, and bassist Hugo Duran getting some choice spots -- and Anthony Carillo takes a long, unaccompanied bongo solo on "Camagueyanos y Habaneros." You don't have to know that this album is going for a good cause in order to pick it up. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Grand master Palmieri and his ensemble, usually a tentet or slightly larger, explore punchy horn charts, the "son" song form, hot percussion grooves, a Mexican folk and straight jazz tune, and the infectiously distinctive Latin jazz (no one plays montuno better) or "Afro-World" (Palmieri's definition) music that few have mastered. Certainly no one surpasses the pianist/bandleader when it comes to sustained intensity. This recording starts off easily with a midtempo anthem of pride, "Sube," and the half-speed "Cafe," then kicks into high gear for the remainder of the program. Every track is truly exceptional, and you'll have personal faves. Consider that the following eight cuts may comprise as solid a program as Palmieri has ever sonically documented, from the unique melody of the horns in "Pas D'histoires," "La Llave" and Arsenio Rodriguez's "Oiga Mi Guaguanco," the traded lead vocals of Wichy Camcho and Herman Olivera on those pieces as well as "Malaguena Salerosa," "El Dueno Monte" and "Para Que Escuchen," to Eddie's first-ever plena (essentially Puerto Rican journalism through music), "Donde Esta Mi Negra." As a complete bandleader, being writer, arranger, interpreter, there is so much evident passion involved, and Palmieri's personal fire and brimstone is stamped on each measure. The band is "on" with every phrase and line. The music leaps out of the speakers. Palmieri, as the dynamo monster we all know he is, proves time and time again his mettle as the ultimate performer and piano percussionist in his inimitable ultra-melodic/harmonic/rhythmic way. Now, many of Palmieri's recordings are rife with absolutely startling pieces, but not as concentrated as heard here. This CD is more extraordinary with each track. It is likely his very best, certainly his most consistently satisfying date in a lengthy career filled with highlights and fireworks. Nominated for a Grammy in the Tropical Latin performance category in 1998. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
'Eddie Palmieri & Friends in Concert at the Univers'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 10
Label Envida
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
An immediate follow-up to Eddie Palmieri's 1962 breakout debut, La Perfecta, 1963's La Perfecta, Vol. 2 is pretty much more of the same, as the title implies. The main difference this time around is that Jose Rodrigues has joined the front line of Palmieri's band; the trombonist would continue to be an integral part of Palmieri's groups for the next quarter-century. Other than Rodrigues' bubbly, effusive solos, everything else is unchanged: Pianist Palmieri drives the large, horn-heavy band through a lively set of rollicking mambos, frantic pachangas, and sultry boleros, as vocalist Ismael Quintana's romantic vocal style adds melodic and textural interest to the otherwise almost entirely rhythmic tracks. This album features the original recording of what would become Palmieri's signature song, "El Molestoso." In the early '60s, Eddie Palmieri and his band were the toast of New York's Latin music community, and every bit as much as its more celebrated predecessor, La Perfecta, Vol. 2 shows why. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
