Victor Feldman

Vibraphonist Victor Feldman's 1959 recording, Latinsville, found the British expatriate exploring various Latin rhythms in a decidedly West Coast style. Featuring an all-star group that included such cool school luminaries as trumpeter Conte Candoli and Frank Rosolino, Feldman also brought in Latin music pros, including percussionists Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaria, bassist Tony Reyes, and others. Selecting such popular songs of the day as "South of the Border," "Poinciana," and "Lady of Spain" -- most of which never originally specified a Latin-style treatment -- Feldman made explicit each song's implied Latin idiom. Although artists such as vibraphonist Cal Tjader and Dizzy Gillespie had been producing Afro-Cuban and Brazilian-inflected jazz for a few years, the cross pollination didn't really catch on until the '60s. Consequently, Latinsville, while in no way as influential as, say, Getz/Gilberto, is nonetheless a forgotten gem. [The 2003 Fantasy Jazz reissue of Latinsville includes five bonus tracks from the original sessions, two of which feature legendary bassist Scott LaFaro.] ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide