Dave Samuels Del Sol

Rare & Hard-To-Find Audio CDs (series)

Personnel: Dave Samuels (vibraphone, marimba, synthesizers, percussion), Dave Valentin (flute), Javier Carrizo, Danilo Perez (piano), Jorge Strunz (guitar), Eliseo Borrero, Lincoln Goines (bass), Richie Morales (drums), Walfredo Reyes (drums, percussion), Long John Oliva, Sammy Figueroa (percussion), Andy Narell (steel drums).

Recorded at the Carriage House, Stamford, Connecticut and Gateway Sound, Santa Barbara, California, December 1992.

All songs written by Dave Samuels except "Dance Class" (Andy Narell) and "El Peregrino/The Pilgrim" (Jorge Strunz).

Personnel: Dave Samuels (synthesizer, vibraphone, marimba, percussion); Jorge Strunz (guitar); Dave Valentin (flute); Danilo P‚rez, Javier Carizzo (piano); Walfredo Reyes (drums, percussion); Richie Goines, Richie Morales (drums); Andy Narell (steel drum); Juanito Oliva, Long John Oliva, Sammy Figueroa (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Larry Swist.

Recording information: Carriage House, Stamford, CT (12/1992); Gateway Sound, Santa Barbara, C and C Beach (12/1992); The Carriage House, Stamford, C and C Beach (12/1992).

Illustrator: Theodor Lloyd Glazer.

Photographer: Steven Begleiter.

Vibraphonist Dave Samuels plays quite well on this CD but he is often overshadowed by his sidemen, especially pianist Danilo Perez, flutist Dave Valentin, guitarist Jorge Strunz and (on two numbers) steel drummer Andy Narell. The easy-listening music is pleasing and, due to the utilization of several groupings of players, there is a certain amount of variety. However the lack of any memorable melodies and real climaxes in the improvisations mean that this recording falls into the lightweight pop/jazz vein. A decent effort that could have been stronger. ~ Scott Yanow