David A. Sanchez

Conguero Poncho Sanchez is one of the movers and shakers in Latin jazz. But while growing up in the 1960s, he was obsessed with the classic Stax and Motown sounds, and this influence peeks out from time to time in his music. Never more so than on Out Of Sight!, which actually functions as a tribute to his hero James Brown. Here Sanchez makes it funky with such soulful luminaries as Billy Preston, Ray Charles (who sings his classic "Mary Ann"), Sam Moore (of Sam And Dave fame), and Brown alumni Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis. Suffice it to say, Sanchez's band and guests dig a groove deep enough to make the Godfather proud. They don't rely on the hits either; instead, choosing some lesser-known 1960s boogaloo gems and Brown jams, as well as some groovy new originals. Sanchez is surprisingly impressive on vocals here, but it's the tight and funky Latin arrangements that make this so super bad.

"Conga Blue" features Poncho's lifelong mentor: the great Mongo Santamaria. Mongo has been such an important influence on Poncho, he named his first son after him. The audio sample "Besame Mama", was written by Mongo Santamaria. This album was recorded on November 13, 14, 1995, at the Group IV studios in Hollywood, California.

Conga player Poncho Sanchez has been one of the leaders in Latin jazz for a decade. This outstanding studio recording delivers the excitement with the addition of special guest Mongo Santamaria on "Watermelon Man" and several originals. Great solos by trumpeter Stan "Be Bop" Martin and baritone saxophonist Scott Martin add spice to the lively percussion of Sanchez and his group.

Soul Of The Conga is the 2000 album by Poncho Sanchez. This Latin jazz gem comes courtesy of Concord Records.

Acclaimed as a considerable and highly individual compositional talent, saxophonist David Binney is one of the most prolific jazz musicians on the scene today. Winning praise from critics and colleagues alike, David was recently singled out by Jazz Times as one of a handful of "players who have created an alternative jazz-scene… all of whom are playing adventurous, original music." David has recorded 25+ albums as leader or co-leader and recorded on more than 400 other albums.

Reviewing Halliday’s previous recorded work with guitarist Corey Christianson, Billy Kerr remarked in “Saxophone Journal,” “His saxophone playing and his music are at the highest levels, great dark, fat sound, wonderful time and feel, as well as a clean, fast technique . . . I’m sure he could play any kind of music.”