Album Notes

"Most enjoyable Latin-flavored jazz I've heard in years!" -- John Henry, Audiophile Audition Web Magazine

"On two-thirds of this masterful debut from tenor saxophonist/flutist Paul Carlon and his octet, things get deep into world rhythms; the mix of styles hold together well on this cohesive, high-energy set. Other Tongues proves itself an auspicious debut, weaving together vibrant world music sounds with hard-edged modern jazz." -- Dan McClenaghan, AllAboutJazz.com

"The reedman, composer and arranger unveils his own inventively contemporary take on latin jazz, deploying a sparkling range of fresh lines, orchestral colour and rhythmic diversity in a series of charts packed with incident. Despite plenty of space for solos and the presence of guests on a few tracks, this impresses most as an ensemble music because it clearly reflects Carlon's vision. A case in point is his latin reassessment of Strayhorn's venerable Smada, the only piece not by Carlon and ample evidence of the kind of imagination and self-belief he brings to the idiom."
--Ray Comiskey, The Irish Times

*****Other Tongues spent 14 weeks on JazzWeek's World Music Chart, debuting at No. 45 on Nov. 20, 2006, and reaching a high of number 28!*****

In a combination that is both blisteringly Afro-Cuban and elegantly Jazz-inflected, this ensemble’s collective voice speaks of Strayhorn, New York City Jazz, the funk of Bootsy Collins, the humor of Fellini, and the influences of Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia. Featuring African mbira (also known as the kalimba), a collection of brass and woodwinds, and a traditional jazz rhythm section, "Other Tongues" also displays the talents of some very special guest artists.

Rumbatap pioneer Max Pollak engages in two memorable duets on Other Tongues; “Rumbatapestry”, written as a feature for Pollak’s innovative and world-renowned mix of tap, Afro-Cuban folkloric dance and body percussion, includes a startling musical conversation between Pollak’s percussive tap and Carlon’s tenor. And on “Extraordinary Rendition”, Pollak and drummer William “Beaver” Bausch embark on some measure-bending trading against the odd-meter groove of the horns.

Very special guest Buddy Terry, veteran of many recordings and some of jazz’ mightiest bands (Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Ray Charles, Count Basie, et al), brings his soulful, gutbucket tenor sound to “Street Beat”, jumping into some bluesy trading with Carlon on tenor and Anton Denner on alto saxophone.

Vocalist Ileana Santamaría brings a lyrical, lilting timbre and knowledge of Afro-Cuban rumba and Yoruban chants to the recording.

The regular personnel of the Paul Carlon Octet includes many of New York’s current crop of established young jazz and Latin jazz artists: Dave Smith on trumpet, Ryan Keberle and Mike Fahie on trombones, Anton Denner on alto saxophone and flute, John Stenger on piano, Dave Ambrosio on bass, and William “Beaver” Bausch on drums.

Release Date: Nov. 7, 2006