Latin Side of John Coltrane

by Scott YanowJohn Coltrane's music has been interpreted many ways since his death in 1967 but rarely in a Latin jazz setting. Trombonist Conrad Herwig, in putting together this project, wisely avoided using any other tenor or soprano saxophonists, instead gathering togther several trumpeters, either Ronnie Cuber or Gary Smulyan on baritone, flutist Dave Valentin and a crack Latin rhythm section. By varying the instrumentation and personnel on each selection, Herwig has succeeded in continually casting Coltrane's music in a new light. The opening and closing versions of "Blessing" have Milton Cardona vocalizing a brief prayer. All of the other music (with the exception of Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue") are 'Trane compositions. Herwig is well showcased, as is trumpeter Brian Lynch and most of the sidemen. The results are quite fresh, often infectious and unpredictable. A fine tribute to the flexibility of John Coltrane's 1960-64 music.