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Latin jazz has its champion. Poncho Sanchez is one of those unique leaders who has never let the
jazz go out of Latin jazz. From the lessons he learned from the remarkable examples set forth by Cal
Tjader, Mongo Santamaria and other pioneers, Papa Gato, as he is affectionately called by those
close to him, has carried the torch since he formed his own band in 1982. No one does it better.
This new release includes several other major influences on the sass and style of Poncho
Sanchez. As a baby boomer coming up in Southern California during the years when Motown and
Elvis and surf guitar and doo-wop ruled the airwaves, Sanchez was gathering an eclectic arsenal,
which he would later incorporate into his band’s repertoire. From its inception, his ensemble has
emphasized funk and fire along with heartfelt ballads and the spirit of the blues.
Guests Dale Spaulding, Ray Charles, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Billy Preston and Sam
Moore help Sanchez interpret his love of the blues, soul, and funk. Together, the ensemble and
guests weave these special styles together seamlessly. Ellis and Wesley, who sit in for “One Mint
Julep,” “Hitch it to the Horse,” “Mary Ann,” “JB’s Strut,” and ‘Out of Sight,” are made to feel right at
home, as the band struts and shouts.
The session also includes traditional pieces that are destined to keep the Latin flame alive.
Vocals, folkloric rhythms, and powerful percussion authority drives the program forward. Highly
recommended, Out of Sight brings in so many diverse musical elements that it makes the
melting pot simmer with flavors that will never be forgotten.
~ Jim Santella
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Track Listing: One Mint Julep; El Shing-a-Ling; Hitch it to the Horse; Saints & Sinners; Mary Ann; Not Necessarily;
Conmigo; JB’s Strut; Out of Sight; El Tambor del Mongo.
Personnel: Poncho Sanchez- congas, percussion, lead vocals; David Torres- piano, Hammond B3 organ; Tony
Banda- bass, background vocals; George Ortiz- timbales; Sal Vasquez- bongos, congas,
percussion, background vocals, tres; Serafin Aguilar- trumpet, flugelhorn; Scott Martin- alto
saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute; Francisco Torres- trombone, background
vocals; Guests: Pee Wee Ellis- tenor saxophone; Fred Wesley- trombone; Ray Charles- vocals on
“Mary Ann;” Billy Preston- Hammond B3 organ on “One Mint Julep;” Dale Spalding- harmonica on
“Mary Ann;” Sam Moore- vocal on “Hitch it to the Horse;” Francisco Aguabella- bata drums on “El
Tambor del Mongo.”
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