It’s been fifty years since Roger Glenn last released an album under his own name. But with My Latin Heart, he steps out front again, drawing on decades of experience, sounding every bit as vibrant and engaged as ever.
Patois Records
Roger Glenn – flute, vibes, alto sax, marimba, vocals, composer, arranger; David K. Mathews – keyboards; David Belove – bass; Ray Obiedo – guitar, producer; Derek Rolando – percussion; the late Paul van Wageningen – drums; John Santos – vocals, percussion (track 7); Michael Spiro – vocals, percussion (tracks 7, 8)
My Latin Heart is a joyful return to a sound Roger Glenn knows from the inside out. A longtime collaborator, Glenn played flute in Cal Tjader’s Latin jazz group during the height of Tjader’s heyday in the ’70s and early ’80s. Now, with Tjader’s centennial being marked this year—and Glenn celebrating his 80th birthday—he steps forward with an album that draws straight from that golden era, revisiting rhythms, moods, and tunes he helped bring to life.
Glenn’s a multi-instrumentalist who’s played vibes with Herbie Mann, sax with the Count Basie Orchestra, and everything from piccolo to marimba with Taj Mahal. He made his recording debut with Mary Lou Williams, toured with Mongo Santamaria and Dizzy Gillespie, and became a regular on the Bay Area scene after moving west in the ’70s. For My Latin Heart, he’s joined by a tight, seasoned crew: guitarist Ray Obiedo, bassist David Belove, Santana keyboardist David K. Mathews, percussionist Derek Rolando, and the late Paul van Wageningen on drums. Add in John Santos and Michael Spiro on guest percussion, and the grooves run deep.
The album kicks off with ‘Zambo’s Mambo,’ the percussion setting the mood—bright, steady, a little celebratory. Glenn’s flute floats over the top, and Mathews’ piano solo has a simple, singable quality. ‘Cal’s Guajira’ is one of the prettiest tracks. Glenn’s vibes are full of resonance, and the guitar—quiet at first, just strumming along—steps out with a clear, ringing solo that’s a joy to get lost in.
‘A Night of Love’ turns things tranquil. Glenn’s alto flute hangs out in the middle range, staying shy of the high notes. It’s a laid-back ballad, with the bass and piano softly wrapping around him. There’s a swirl of percussion on ‘Angola’ and a repeated piano phrase that keeps you guessing where it’ll go. Glenn and the band join voices for some tight unison lines. ‘Congo Square’ starts sparse, with single-note piano lines. Belove’s bass anchors the track with power, then builds into this long, winding duet between guitar and vibes.
It’s been fifty years since Roger Glenn last released an album under his own name. But with My Latin Heart, he steps out front again, drawing on decades of experience, sounding every bit as vibrant and engaged as ever.
