Nov. 20, 2010

I have never made a secret of my affinity for good Latin music, especially Latin jazz. Of course, as with any genre, not just any Latin music will do.  It should be music that inspires, moves, touches, ignites, embraces, and lures with hot, seductive, romantic melodies, alive with the culture and spirit.  Such is the case with the music of guitarist Doug Towle. I recently got wind of his 2009 release, Desire, Heat & Spirit. 2009?? Yep. I know. I seldom feature older material here, and I haven’t yet created a section for such material (though I do plan to do so in the very near future).  Nonetheless, some productions beg exception.  This is one. Why? It’s alive and breathes fire, lustiiness, and melodies that simply can’t be ignored.

A generous 15-track album, the catchy rhythms and riveting, memorable melodies and hooks take hold from track one’s “Ritmo de la Vida” all the way through track 15’s “Road to Mahajua.”

Often equally sadly beautiful, sweet, and joyous in the same breath,  the richness of really good Latin music needs to make little effort in reaching one’s heartstrings and soul in a big way, especially if played by one who understands what makes it all tick. Towle obviously understands all too well.   With a style as fluid, quick, and nimble as some of the best, he strums and picks through this set with confidence and swagger.

In the midst of all of this Latin love, the guitarist tosses in some reggae-tinged sauce for extra zing on “Ism Skism,” a surprise treat.

This 2009 gem was a pleasant discovery. Needless to say, I eagerly await Towle’s next project to see if he can match this fervor and imagination.  Somehow, I suspect I won’t be disappointed. –  Ronald Jackson