Conrad Herwig - The Latin Side of Herbie Hancock

[GA Russell]

Trombonist Conrad Herwig has released albums of latinized arrangements of the compositions of John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. Now he has a new album called The Latin Side of Herbie Hancock.

The album was recorded in concert at the Blue Note in August of 2008. The band includes Eddie Palmieri and Randy Brecker.

I'm not the biggest fan of latin music, and it took me a few listens before I became accustomed to the disc. Now I have grown to like it a lot, as something different in my collection.

Some of the songs, such as Maiden Voyage, Cantaloupe Island and Watermelon Man, lend themselves quite easily to the latin treatment. Others, such as The Sorcerer, are a bit of a stretch.

Herwig's last album, the Wayne Shorter, got some good airplay on Sirius, and I expect that this will as well.

[Big Al]

Can a "Latin Side of Ron Carter" and/or "Latin Side of Tony Williams" be far behind?

[Larry Kart]

"The Latin Side of Spade Cooley"

[Free For All]

[jlhoots]

I actually like the Wayne Shorter "tribute".

[Larry Kart]

I've only heard the first in the series, "Que Viva Coltrane," which as I recall was very good. The choice of pieces was thoughtful -- "Lonnie's Lament," "Miles Mode," "Wise One," "Countdown," "Central Park West," "Grand Central," "Straight Street," "Locomotion."

[GA Russell]

As expected, I'm hearing this one quite often on Sirius. More than one song.

[DMP]

Don't forget "The Latin Side of John Coltrane." A little more elaborate than subsequent releases in that series - I think I read somewhere that it bankrupted the label! ("Astor Place.")

[Chuck Nessa]

Can I take it there is not Latin side of Mr Herwig? Why draw in another musician's name/reputation?

Oh yeah, I forgot - nobody would notice.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Chuck Nessa

[Larry Kart]

Can I take it there is not Latin side of Mr Herwig? Why draw in another musician's name/reputation?

Oh yeah, I forgot - nobody would notice.

Well, yes -- but the basic idea is to recast pieces of some familiarity and merit in a different mode, and see if it works. The only one I know is his "Que Vive Coltrane," and it works there.

On the other hand, Don Byron's "The Klezmer Side of Don Redman" was not a good idea.

[Chuck Nessa]

I think you overestimate the idea.

[Larry Kart]

I think you overestimate the idea.

I was dubious until I heard the one that I heard. On the other hand, one seemed like just enough.

[jeffcrom]

On the other hand, Don Byron's "The Klezmer Side of Don Redman" was not a good idea.

[Chuck Nessa]

Whatever happened to "the sound of surprise"?

[Larry Kart]

Whatever happened to "the sound of surprise"?

Whitney enforced his copyright?

[AndrewHill]

Don't forget "The Latin Side of John Coltrane." A little more elaborate than subsequent releases in that series - I think I read somewhere that it bankrupted the label! ("Astor Place.")

Has anyone seen the going rate for a used copy on Amazon? Like $58 and up.