LoFi Fire - Music Review

LoFi Latin Jazz:  New Release from Leo Joseph, of the Leo Joseph Experience.



Leo Joseph, also known as Leo Minimum Tek, manages their own recording label, Maximum Collabo Records. Leo has regularly performed and recorded with artists such as Gogol Bordello, Grupo Descarrilao, NuFolk Rebel Alliance, Salsa Rockers, Los Coulters, The Leo Joseph Trio, and more.  Leo is a treat to see perform live, bringing high energy to the stage.  His diversely complex riffs, solos that shine with surprising and dynamic movements, and mastery of many genres make him a formidable performer.

Leo’s new three-track EP is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and more. There is a “Fireplace Ambience” video of the new recordings, available on Youtube in 4K.  The soothing video is by Jane Courage and El Bofo Xavier - perfect to put on for some afternoon work, or a relaxing evening.  The charming cover art by Juan Ortega, based on a photo by Jane Courage captures the essence of the music.

Leo has given us three covers - Let’s take a look at each.

Mayeya (Mongo Santamaria)
This New York Jazz standard originally had the legends Mongo Satamaria on percussion and Charlie Palmieri on the piano.  The memorable tune has similar uplifting punchy horns to another standard, “Chan Chan.”  Leo offers a more suave, relaxing version of the Salsa/Boogaloo classic.  His bluesy guitar work is playful and polished.  The track has a light tropical vibe that’s easy to enjoy.

Little Sunflower (Freddie Hubbard)
“Little Sunflower” was originally recorded by Freddie Hubbard in 1967. The upbeat Tito Puente cover from 1992 is a version more may be familiar with.  Leo’s version of “Little Sunflower” is a really beautiful recording that is haunting and psychedelic in tone, similar to a Yardbirds or Incredible String Band jam. The song is slightly somber and shifts through distinct movements as if on a journey.

Y Ya La Quiero (Joe Henderson)
“Y Ya La Quiero” is originally from the 1985 album “The State of Tenor: Vol. 2,”, by Joe Henderson an avant-guard bebop and jazz artist.  The song has an iconic opening riff, that aficionados will be familiar with and moves on to highly improvised, yet tight and controlled sax solos.  Leo interprets the tenor sax madness on guitar with grace, bravado, and respect for the original melodies.

Check out Leo Joseph’s newest content, don’t miss him live if you have the chance,
and add these to your streaming mixes and give them a play. These tracks are highly recommended.

Bandcamp

Youtube Video