And Sammy Walked In

• Artist: Sammy Figueroa
• Rating:
• Release Date: June 07, 2005
• Genre: Jazz

Review

Conguero/percussionist Sammy Figueroa heads a sextet on this date that sounds like a Latinized version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. The music is essentially hard bop, featuring solos from trumpeter John Lovell, saxophonist John Michalak (who is replaced by Tyler Kuebler on two of the ten selections), and pianist Michael Orta. Of the lesser-known material, the "I Got Rhythm"-based "Eugenology" is most memorable and the other highlights include Cedar Walton's "Bolivia" and Chucho Valdés' "Mambo Influenciádo." The final number, "Duermeté Mi Cielito," features Figueroa unaccompanied, singing and playing percussion. Hopefully Sammy Figueroa will be able to keep this accessible and swinging group together for many years, keeping alive the traditions of both Art Blakey and Tito Puente. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Syncopá O No		Sammy Figueroa	(4:27)
Niko's Dream		Sammy Figueroa	(7:48)
Bebé	Hermeto Pascoal	Sammy Figueroa	(7:20)
And Sammy Walked In	Michel Camilo	Sammy Figueroa	(4:44)
Eugenology		Sammy Figueroa	(4:21)
Mirage	John Lovell	Sammy Figueroa	(6:19)
Bolivia	Cedar Walton	Sammy Figueroa	(6:33)
Swimming Gaia		Sammy Figueroa	(6:02)
Mambo Influenciádo		Sammy Figueroa	(4:43)
Duermeté Mi Cielito		Sammy Figueroa	(2:41)

Credits

John Lovell (Flugelhorn), Sammy Figueroa (Producer), John Lovell (Percussion), Sammy Figueroa (Executive Producer), Helge Sasse (Executive Producer), Rachel Faro (Audio Production), Gotz Kujack (Drums), Tyler Kuebler (Saxophone), Cezar Santana (Mixing), Tyler Kuebler (Arranger), John Lovell (Trumpet), Sammy Figueroa (Vocals), John Michalak (Saxophone), Hal Batt (Engineer), Brian Murphy (Arranger), Sammy Figueroa (Liner Notes), Michael Orta (Keyboards), Nicky Orta (Bass), Sammy Figueroa (Percussion), Sammy Figueroa (Sound Effects), Michael Orta (Piano), John Michalak (Flute), Carlos Averhoff (Arranger), Brad Wrolstad (Design), Tyler Kuebler (Saxophone), Sammy Figueroa (Audio Production), Rachel Faro (Producer), Hal Batt (Mixing), Ron Taylor (Mixing), Sammy Figueroa (Musical Direction), Sammy Figueroa (Conga)