Jerry Gonzalez

Jerry Gonzales and the Fort Apache Band have an invigorating idea going, fusing the front line of bebop to the unstoppable groove of a Latin rhythm section. Trouble is, whenever they remove the Latin rhythms -- which happens most of the time on this compilation from a live gig at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. -- we are left with a standard-issue hard bop band of the most conventional sort. Gonzales often ruminates thoughtfully in a muted Miles manner circa the 1950s, while John Stubblefield's earthy bebop tenor adds some soul to the mix, and Joe Ford contributes alto and soprano sax. When Gonzales moves over from the trumpet to the congas, some electric moments begin to emerge as he interacts with Steve Berrios on drums or timbales. Ultimately, though, this live CD does not ignite; perhaps this group could have used a seventh man, a regular Latin percussionist, to mix things up all the time. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide