VOLUME 5: CARNIVAL   Los Hombres Calientes   Basin Street Records- 2005 A Review By Paule Pachter, October 10, 2005

Put a trumpet in the hands of Irvin Mayfield and a set of skins in the hands of Bill Summers and these guys can turn Bourbon Street into Brazil or Jamaica at Carnival time. And that’s just what they do as Los Hombres Calientes on their current release entitled “Volume 5: Carnival.” Together, Mayfield and Summers have once again beautifully crafted nineteen compositions that reverberate with the smooth Jazz sounds of New Orleans while simultaneously spicing things up with a Carribean and Brazilian flair on this exceptional recording. Los Hombres Calientes capture the rhythms and spirits of Carnival complete with the commanding crispness of Mayfield’s trumpet and Summer’s mastery of everything percussion. Add to the mix the Salsa and Merengue and Cubanismo heated beat, Spanish lyrics and tight arrangements and you’re in Carnival heaven. It’s kind of difficult to just sit back and listen to this CD without moving your body and shaking your head. The rhythms are lively and Mayfield and Summer’s musical abilities can be captivating, especially on such tracks as: “Carnival (Havana);” “James Booker;” “Rojo’s Revenge;” “George Porter;” “Carnival Lullabuy;” and “Melena.” Backed by a large cast of top notch musicians including a guest appearance by Kermit Ruffins, The Rebirth Brass Band, and Trombone Shorty, “Volume 5: Carnival” is a diverse musical work which earns four-peppers. You can purchase this CD online from the record label at basinstreetrecords.com and at Amazon. your support and encouragement of The Zydeco Road. Working together, we can enhance the recognition that Zydeco music and its artists so greatly deserve on Long Island and within the Metro New York area.   [ Artist of the Month ] [Sounds of The Road ] [This Ain't No Rest Stop ] [ The Road Stops Here ] [Road Shows ] [Home ] [Email ]   copyright 2005 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.