Music CD details

Grupo X

'X-POSURE'

(LOFTCD001)

Musicians:
Jonny Enright - trombone
Trevor Mires - trombone
Finn Peters - alto sax, flute
Jimmy Le Messurier - timbales
Pete Eckford - congas
Simon Edwards - bass
John Crawford - piano
Olly Drew - guitar, vocals
Carlos Pena - vocals, percussion

Label - Loft Records, UK

From sleeve notes:

GRUPO X:
NEW LATIN JAZZ WITH A LONDON FLAVOUR!

Grupo X are one of Europe’s leading latin jazz groups. Led by trombonist Jonny Enright and based in London, they initially evolved as an offshoot of the UK’s premier salsa band of the 90’s, Orquesta La Clave.

The band soon acquired a style of it’s own. A blend of classic Nuyorican salsa and latin jazz of the 70’s mixed with bugalu and soul. Add a touch of English vocals and a love for the classic dancefloor jazz sounds of London in the 80’s and the fusion was complete. Latin jazz/funk DJ and percussionist Snowboy is the band’s biggest fan. Their track “Brand New Love” featured on his “Snowboy Presents The Hi-Hat” compilation on Ocho Records in 2000.

Live, the band have a reputation for “kickin’ ass”! They are house latin band at London’s Jazz Café, especially at the “Messin’ Around” and “The Hi-Hat” club nights. They’ve backed U.S. percussion stars Johnny Blas and Bobby Matos, legendary vibes man Dave Pike, Cuban master pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, and number one Nuyorican trombonist Jimmy Bosch. That’s one hell of a list!

What about the music? Firstly, all compositions are original material! That on its own is a great achievement. But the fact that they are great tunes too, and swing like crazy, must also be applauded. Main composer is Jonny Enright, himself, with major input from fellow band members Jimmy LeMessurier, Carlos Pena, Pete Eckford, and sometime X-man Dave Pattman.

The playing on the album is top-notch and every facet of latin jazz is covered. Opener “Brand New Love” is a UK jazz dance classic in the Dingwalls/Hi-Hat tradition, featuring soul-diva Lisa Millett on vocals. “X-Posure” is a funky Mozambique. Vocal tune “Jonny’s Bugalu” is a party number – handclapping, footstomping latin soul. “Guaguanco en Chicago Chico” is pure rumba jazz. “Mi Tumbao”, a son montuno with more Spanish vocals. “Why?” is smooth latin jazz. “Eye2Eye” is a soulful latin tune, heavy on the groove and drenched with the blues! A dancefloor hit for sure, with a passing nod to Herbie Mann and War! Final tune “The X-Factor” features guest vibes-man Roger Beaugolais in full Bobby Hutcherson mode- a nice touch to end a great and varied album.

Grupo X have made their reputation in UK with some heavy hitting live gigs. People are talking. When latin legends like Bobby Matos and Jimmy Bosch sing your praises, you know you must be doing something right! Now it’s time for the rest of the world to hear their message and see what all the fuss is about. Enjoy this unique brand of London latin soul jazz, and be sure to watch out for future releases - Grupo X are here to stay.

Lubi Jovanovic
Casa Latina + Straight No Chaser

‘If you don’t move to the groove that Grupo X has created on this one you might as well pack it in.’ 
Erik “Chico” Manqueros
The Latin Style of Jazz & LatinJazzClub.com

Visit the Grupo X web site at:
www.Grupo-X.com

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Grupo X

'X-POSURE'

(LOFTCD001)

This symbol  indicates an mp3 sound clip for that track. Click on the symbol and wait for the clip to start. For more information click here. Tracks

1. Brand New Love (J. Enright - J. LeMessurier) 2. X Posure (J. Enright - J. LeMessurier) 3. Jonnys Bugalu (J. Enright - C. A. Pena - D. Pattman) 4. Guaguanco En Chicago Chico (J. LeMessurier) 5. Mi Tumbao (J. Enright - C. A. Pena) 6. Why (J. Enright) 7. Eye 2 Eye (P. Eckford - J. LeMessurier) 8. The X Factor (J. Enright)

Our mp3 samples are approximately 30 seconds long and of low(ish) quality for a fast download (file size app 300KB)

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