Latin Genesis

Latin Genesis is a summit meeting of three top-notch saxophonists: Dave Liebman, Don Braden, and Dan Moretti. Together, they put a Latin spin on material from Elvin Jones' 1971 album Genesis (which also featured three front-line saxes and was Liebman's first record date with the great drummer). Electric bassist Oscar Stagnaro and drummer Mark Walker provide rhythmic backing, along with guest percussionists Pernell Saturnino, Jorge Najarro, and Rick Andrade. The four cuts from Genesis are Frank Foster's "Cecilia Is Love," Elvin Jones' "Three Card Molly," and Gene Perla's "P.P. Phoenix" and "For All the Other Times." Liebman's swinging "Brite Piece" is thrown in for good measure, as are stormy covers of Rodgers & Hart's "Have You Met Miss Jones" and Lee Morgan's "Calling Miss Khadija." Moretti contributes the mellow flute vehicle "Tiara" and the bass clarinet-colored "Trippin'," while Braden weighs in with the opening "Vail Jumpers." The interplay between these three heavy-hitters is intense, and thankfully, their solos are carefully distinguished on the track listing for the listener's benefit. A timely update on Elvin Jones' '70s post-bop aesthetic. (Jones' Genesis, by the way, was reissued as a part of an eight-disc box from Mosaic.) ~ David R. Adler, Rovi