Sean Trane
Third album from this Nu Yorican group from the mid-70’s, with a largely unchanged line-up (with Mendoza as their leader), still aiming for a Latino music market, but here there is a definite black African music slant coming from across the ocean as well. So, by the release in early 75 of Numero Tres, all rather unfortunate comparisons with Santana should have disappeared although you’ll guess there will be always elements that will bring you back towards Carlos’ fusion group, where here Ocho is playing a more traditional card, even if jazz or African music do This third album is a completely even collection of tracks where the Salsa dominates, sometimes overtaken by overly-loud vibes that are representing the jazz influence sparsely sprinkled here and there throughout the album.
Unless you’re a fan of Latino music (and mainly Salsa), you’re better not even laying your eyes onto this album, because there is nothing in it for you , unless you want impeccably played music whose only flaw might the recording level of the vibraphone.
