(pronounced Group-o Yan key) is headed by the young New Yorkers Bennett Paster and Gregory Ryan. These guys play a brand of jazz that is very much in your head. It is erudite and inventive and very, very listenable. Gregory Ryan's "Miller Time" is a Lee Morgan "Cornbread" Hard Bop played with a Bobby Watson Latin flare. Other Latinesque tones come from Bennett Paster's "Mona Se Queda" and the standard "How Are Things in Gloccamora?" these fine young musicians are intent on producing a hip brand of Latin Jazz drawn through the high polish of an Anglo prism. Saxophonists Terry Cabrera and Chris Cheek carry the band from one song to the next, hoisted by Paster's full-fisted piano. Latin percussion is evident everywhere, providing the music with a salsa shiver. Grupo Yanqui is a fine start. It is about time this group be heard by a label.
Track Listing: Miller Time; Mona Se Queda; How Are Things In Gloccamora; Elna; Storytime; Fantasy;. Tema para Yosvany; May Eye; Que Venga el Dia; Oaktown Morning Blues; Cactus Mambo. (Total Playing Time: 70:41).
Personnel: Bennett Paster: Piano; Gregory Ryan: Bass; Rob Garcia: Drums; Yosvanny Terry Cabrera: Saxophone; Chris Cheek: Saxophone Dafnis Prieto: Percussion, Gilad, Percussion.
I grew up listening to my father's Jazz records and listening to radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy
I grew up listening to my father's Jazz records and listening to radio. My dad was a musician for many years as a vocalist, bassist and drummer. His two uncles played in the Symphony of Reggio Calabria back in Italy. So music and jazz specifically have been a part of me since I was born. I love and perform in all styles of music from around the world. Improvisation in jazz is what drew me in, and still does as well as other genres that feature improvisation. A group of great musicians expressing themselves as one is the hallmark of great jazz and in fact all great music.