Los Hombres Calientes
Los Hombres Calientes is an impressive debut by the New Orleans-based band of the same name led by veteran percussionist Bill Summers (Headhunters, Herbie Hancock) and young lions Irvin Mayfield on trumpet and Jason Marsalis on drums. Respect does not have to mean dull, and this sextet draws smartly from Afro-Cuban tradition and jazz. Moreover, in their mix of originals and Afro-Cubanized standards, Summers & Co. are not afraid to take chances. In “Rhumba para Jason,” Mayfield growls, moans, and
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If my house were burning down and I could only save one disc, this would be it. Combining the intensity and passion of Latin music with the deep, deep soul of New Orleans, Los Hombres Calientes has created one of the greatests jazz recordings in recent memory. From the familiar strains of “Stardust” to the very Cuban “Rompey Saraguey”, this album weaves the big Latin sound and Big Easy together in such a seamless way that, although it is very fresh, you wonder why no one has ever thought of it before. All these band members have their own solo projects going, and I for one hope that they continue to play together and make many more of these wonderful discs. I saw them at the Funky Butt in New Orleans, and they are even more fiery in concert. May the trinity of Summers, Marsalis and Mayfield bless us with great music for many years to come!!
Review by Kevin Sims for Los Hombres Calientes
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This CD is absolutely beautiful. It is a great debut. It is mostly afro-cuban with some New Orleans soul (Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers sings “El Barrio” a sister song of “The Ghetto”. It displays the unbelievable potential of two very young musicians, Jason Marsalis and Irvin Mayfield and the abilities of a seasoned veteran (Bill Summers). This CD won the Billboard Latin Music Award for Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year in 2000 even though it was released first in 1998. Their second CD is even better than this one, and I can’t wait for their 3rd.
Review by Tynus for Los Hombres Calientes
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It’s unfortunate that the review from Houston didn’t know the history behind the band. I can understand how their name could confuse. LHC is a group of Americas finest musicians. Bill Summers, the extraordinary percussionist for Herbie Hancock, took several of New Orleans top young musicians on several trips to Africa and the Caribbean to explore the music of the regions. The result is a band that is able to convey a deep understanding of the roots of American Jazz through their music. The band plays an amazing range of genre’s from New Orleans street funk to contemporary jazz. At a time when politics has divided people all over the world, this band has helped bring the beauty of Cuban music to the American people. I do not personally know any of the musicians but I would travel long distances to hear them. Look up Irvin Mayfields interview with Terry Gros on NPR. He’s an amazing young trumpet player.
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Disregarding the fact that some of the members of this group are friends of mine, I think that this album is fabulous. The CD expresses more than simply music. It expresses a feeling that can only be inspred by true musicianship and giftedness. This group wraps themselves in the the center of the Latin Jazz idiom and basks in it. I am amazed at the talent of the quite young Irvin and Jason and hope that one day all musicians find and utilize the thread of life situated in the center of sound like this group has.
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I went to see this group live in Houston last night and bought this CD before the concert started. Unfortunately, I should have waited till intermission and saved the money instead. Not knowing anything about Los Hombres Calientes I expected a true Latin Jazz group as advertised in their billing. Unfortunately this group does not have one ounce of Latin blood or spirit among them and it shows in their music. One of the pieces they attempted last night was Mandinga, a great Cuban guaracha/son which they simply botched. Los Hombres Calientes must be trying to capitalize on the current popularity of Latin music, given their name and billing, however they should call themselves The Hot Men and play New Orleans jazz instead, a genre better suited for their style. If you want to listen to a real Mandinga, buy the Ruben Gonzales version on World Circuit.