Back from Havana

• Artist: Jack Costanzo
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 06, 2001
• Genre: Jazz

Review

Jack Costanzo is one of the most important pioneers in popularizing Afro-Cuban jazz, playing bongos with Stan Kenton in 1947 on many influential recordings and being a member of the highly visible Nat King Cole Trio from 1949-53. Costanzo, who also doubles on conga, recorded some of his own sessions in the 1950s, guested on many dates, worked in the studios, and eventually settled in San Diego. For his first recording as a leader in many years, Costanzo shows that his playing is still very much in its prime and that his enthusiasm has never declined. Many of the 15 performances on this disc are quite exuberant, with wild horn riffing, crowded ensembles, and stirring rhythms. While the opening number is called "Descarga.com," most of the other selections also sound very much like a spirited descarga (jam session) with the momentum never slowing down. Among the key soloists are trumpeters Gilbert Castellanos and Bill Caballero, Steve Feierabend on tenor, baritonist Bob Campbell, pianist Lynn Wilard and trombonist Bob Johnston, along with Costanzo himself. There is not a slow moment to be heard throughout this exciting set, which also includes short vocals, a coro, and producer Bobby Matos' occasional contributions to the percussion section. Get this one. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Descarga. Com		Jack Costanzo	(4:30)
La La La	Jose Curbelo	Jack Costanzo	(4:52)
En la Noche		Jack Costanzo	(4:17)
Jive Samba	Nat Adderley	Jack Costanzo	(5:11)
Mantequilla		Jack Costanzo	(5:04)
Milestones	Miles Davis	Jack Costanzo	(5:32)
Quimbara		Jack Costanzo	(6:27)
Nana Sere		Jack Costanzo	(4:04)
Airegin	Sonny Rollins	Jack Costanzo	(6:11)
Montiki		Jack Costanzo	(4:02)
Te Quiero Te Quiero	Augusto Alguero Dasca	Jack Costanzo	(4:15)
Trompeta y Bongo		Jack Costanzo	(4:41)
Jack's Back		Jack Costanzo	(3:20)
Work Song	Nat Adderley, Oscar Brown, Jr.	Jack Costanzo	(4:01)
Going Home		Jack Costanzo	(1:29)

Credits

Bob Campbell (Sax (Baritone)), Bob Campbell (Baritone), Bob Campbell (Soloist), Gilbert Castellanos (Trumpet), Gilbert Castellanos (Arranger), Gilbert Castellanos (Soloist), Jack Costanzo (Conga), Jack Costanzo (Main Performer), Steve Feierabend (Sax (Tenor)), Steve Feierabend (Soloist), Bob Johnston (Trombone), Bobby Matos (Percussion), Bobby Matos (Conga), Bobby Matos (Choir, Chorus), Bobby Matos (Guiro), Anthony Dean (Choir, Chorus), Steve Haney (Percussion), Steve Haney (Claves), Hector Rivera (Arranger), April West (Trombone), Ryan Hicks (Design), Jorge Camberos (Guitar), Marilu (Vocals)