El Barrio Jazz Quartet's latest album, Colombia Feeling, is a masterful blend of traditional jazz and Colombian rhythms. The quartet, consisting of pianist Carlos Hernandez, bassist Ruben Rodriguez, drummer Dafnis Prieto, and percussionist Roberto Quintero, showcases their virtuosity and versatility in this 10-track album.
From the opening track, "Cumbia Pa' Gozar," the listener is transported to the streets of Colombia with its infectious rhythms and lively melodies. The quartet's improvisations and solos are seamlessly integrated into the traditional Colombian music, creating a unique and vibrant sound.
The album also features a beautiful rendition of the classic bolero "La Barca," with Hernandez's delicate piano playing and Rodriguez's soulful bass lines. The quartet's interpretation of the song is both respectful of the original and innovative in its jazz elements.
Other standout tracks include "El Barrio," a tribute to the quartet's hometown of Spanish Harlem, and "Barranquilla," a fast-paced and energetic number that showcases Quintero's masterful percussion.