Album Notes

By: Edward Blanco

Drummer and percussionist Marlon Simon crafts another Latin Jazz album full of Afro-Cuban rhythms featuring a heavy percussive sound with his long time band he calls the Nagual Spirits. Playing with Simon on this project are his brothers renowned pianist Edward Simon and trumpeter Michael, tenor man Peter Brainin, trumpeter Alex Norris, whom I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many times when he played with the University of Miami Concert Jazz Band, bassist Michael Boone, and Roberto Quintero on congas just to name a few.

The album contains nine tracks with four originals. Simon includes the Hilton Ruiz classic “Home Cooking,” in tribute to the late master; in fact the album is in part homage to Ruiz and John Stubblefield.

The music as you can imagine captures the Afro-Latin sound with an infectious beat that permeates through out the whole session. Simon’s compositions (“Pa Los Morillio,” “Un Canto A Ericka,” “Passing By,” and “Root Medley”) are stellar eliciting a reaction from one’s shoulders wanting to move to the groove. The title track, a Bobby Watson composition, moves and gyrates with a terrific catchy rhythm showcasing a stylish solo from Brainin.

Brother Ed and saxophonist Brainin provide a delicious performance on the slow ballad of Armando Manzanero’s “Huele A Peligro.” The Moises Simons tune “Manicero,” provides one of the best percussive flavors here featuring Quintero on congas, clave and guiro while Simon hits the drums and timbales.

“In Case You Missed It,” you definitely need to rewind and play again because this is one sizzling piece of music that gives off plenty of heat. If you favor the Latin jazz sound then gets a hold of this album before you miss Marlon’s progressive jazz statement here.


Year: 2007
Label: Jazzheads