Native Son

Drummer Michael Waldrop explores deep and exciting grooves with percussionist Jose Rossy joining in with his team of Martin Gjakonovski/b (and cameo work with Chris Symer) and Vasil Hadzimanov/p for a collection of mostly originals. The grooves simmer on the jungle pulse of "Native Son", with Hadzimanov sparkling over the galloping joy of rhythm. Waldrop brings a soulful shuffle to the driving " El Vino" and a simmering sizzle to "Belgrade" with an avalanche of Afro-Cuban excitement on the earthy "Vasconcelos". The team shows a more delicate and nuanced side as the pianist is deft and dainty on "The Wrong Blues", and dark shadows mysteriously elongate on "Pythia: The Speaking Water". Ricocheting rhythms.