Roger Glenn
My Latin Heart
Patois Records
Roger Glenn has been a utility player on the jazz scene for years. He’s played with Cal Tjader, Herbie Mann, Kurt Elling, and Taj Mahal. Prolific as a sideman, Glenn’s only prior release as a leader was his 1976 album, Reachin’. The release of My Latin Heart corresponds with Glenn’s 80th birthday. Nothing in the vibrant tunes here suggests the work of an octogenarian — this isn’t a retrospective peek, but a passionate celebration of Caribbean and Brazilian sounds.
“Zambo’s Mambo” kicks things off with pulsating Latin groove and Glenn’s shimmering flute. Roger is a multi-instrumentalist, playing flute, vibes, alto sax, marimba, and vocals. “Cal’s Guajira” (a tribute to Cal Tjader) is a showcase for Glenn’s mastery of the vibes. The song percolates on a sensuous groove, with guitar and piano soloing along with the vibes. Like the historic “Congo Square,” European and African themes converge. The tune opens with a pretty piano introduction before being joined by hand drums, giving the song its groove, while vibes and guitar take solos over the top. “Samba De Carnaval” closes the album with a lively street dance vibe. The Brazilian percussion sets the mood, while Glenn takes us out with another flute melody.
Fifty years is a long time to wait between albums. The hype on the album cover proclaims “A Jazz Legend Revealed.” Roger Glenn has been hiding in plain sight all these years. It’s good that he finally decided to step into the spotlight at 80.
