CD review: Poncho Sanchez – Trane’s Delight 2019: Video, CD cover

On his first new album in seven years, Grammy Award-winning conguero Poncho Sanchez celebrates the life and music of the iconic saxophonist John Coltrane.

Now with 30 years onConcord Picante, Sanchez’s Trane’s Delight is a love letter from one musical pioneer to another, as the Latin Jazz legend pays homage to one of his earliest and most indelible influences. The joyous album arrives just in time for the late tenor titan’s 93rd birthday on September 23. The 11-track album features three classic Coltrane compositions and a pair of new compositions written in honor of the sax master, alongside a host of original pieces and classic favorites chosen to represent Sanchez’s wide spectrum of influences. Ultimately, Trane’s Delight offers a tribute not only to the stellar music and influence of the great John Coltrane, but a spotlight for the myriad ways that the tenor giant’s explorations have fueled courageous artists like Poncho Sanchez. The results, as on this passionate new album, would no doubt delight Trane’s searching spirit.

01. Soul Bourgeoisie (Hubert Laws) (5:53)
02. Liberia (John Coltrane) (6:00)
03. The Feeling Of Jazz (Duke Ellington, George T. Simon, Bobby Troup) (5:57)
04. Giant Steps (John Coltrane) (4:48)
05. Si Te Dicen (Oscar Ivan Guiliani) (6:10)
06. Sube (Andy Langham) (6:45)
07. Blue Train (John Coltrane) (5:56)
08. Yam’mote (Poncho Sanchez, Francisco Torres) (3:31)
09. Poncho Sanchez Medley #2 (Ramon Banda, David Torres, Jr., Poncho Sanchez, Francisco Torres) (7:37)
10. Trane’s Delight (Poncho Sanchez, Francisco Torres) (4:39)
11. Todo Termino (Bobby Manrique) (4:50)

Recorded at The Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center; The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.