Paul Carlon Octet – Roots Propaganda

Roots Propaganda, the newest album by the Paul Carlon Octet, is strong and smooth from beginning to end. Carlon – a saxophonist, bandleader, and composer – has assembled a powerful group of multi-cultural musicians, and created a dynamic jazz set, with elements of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The trombones, saxophones, percussion, tribal chants, flutes, and the vocal talents of Christine Durandy all contribute to the wonderful sound and spirit of Roots Propaganda.

“Backstory” is full of Latin rhythm and flavor. The horns, percussion, and boom-boom beat, along with Ms. Durandy’s words and humming vocals, make this a strong opener. “Ochun,” with its joyous saxophone, tribal chant, and flute, is Afro-Latin music at its best. The next song, “Moro Omin Ma” has a similar feel to it, with a dash of Brazil. Here, Durandy is doing the chanting. “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out” and the title track are swinging and the most upbeat songs on the album; the former, with its toe tapping rhythm, and the later, with the horns battling each other.

Other standout songs on this album are “The Limiter,” “Mammo Pa’ Kanoa,” and “Hard Times Killin’ Floor Blues,” a superb tune that fuses genres, and captures the essence of Roots Propaganda.

Roots Propaganda goes back to the roots of classic American jazz and Afro-Latin music, along with some swing and funk. Roots Propaganda is a great collection that will please the jazz aficionado as well as the fans of Latin rhythms.