Winnipeg’s Latin Jazz scene is an incestuous family, with the same names appearing under different leadership under different band names. Trio Bembe is no exception. Amber Epp, of In Rhythm renown, leads the group. Her voice is that of the siren dragging you into the two rocks that support her — Rodrigo Muñoz of Papa Mambo and Scott Senior of Freedom Jazz Stance.
The trio’s self-titled CD, their first, is exceptional. Which, given the names involved, isn’t all that surprising.The Muñoz name is synonymous with Latin music in Winnipeg. Out of it has emerged Rodrigo who can play — and play well — almost any instrument thrust into his hands. On Trio Bembe, he primarily sticks to guitar, although he does take the time to provide an exhilarating bongo solo or two, as well as adding his voice on “No, Valentin” — a Peruvian song composed by José Vasquez.
Scott Senior was the percussionist mainstay of Moses Mayes and The Duhks, in which his name became synonymous with quality. This is why he attracted the attention of the Rankin Family with whom he toured last December. Numerous tracks on this CD display his incredible soloistic ability. On “Rosebud,” for example, he demonstrates his mastery of the pandeiro — the Brazilian frame drum — whose distinctive sound flavours samba music like a well-seasoned stew. It’s not often that you’ll hear Senior sing but he seems to have a good time joining Amber and Rodrigo on “Tres Golpes,” a traditional song from Columbia.
It is not only the diversity that each member brings, but also the diversity of the traditions upon which the music draws, that truly make Trio Bembe an exceptional recording. In addition to drawing from Spain, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru and Brazil, Epp has also written many of the tracks, demonstrating that she possesses even more than an awesome voice. How this Mennonite girl from Steinbach acquired a Latin accent having never ventured down south is mind-boggling. She’s currently in Cuba remedying this lack of worldly experience by studying Cuban singing for three months. She’s going to be scary good when she gets back.
If you’re a Latin music fan, do yourself a favour and buy this CD. If you’re not, do yourself an even bigger one and buy it. You’ll become one.
* out of **
