Music

"Groove Tantra is a very likable septet that plays accessible and melodic music that grooves. The group is comprised of Loran Cox on flugelhorn and trumpet, keyboardist Abel Pabon, pianist Lawrence Ross, guitarist Michel Gonzalez, bassist Raymond Love, drummer Willie Sells, Jr, and Edwin Torres on Latin percussion. Tantra means to weave. The word fits the group’s sound since they weave together several different styles of music, with their brand of jazz also utilizing aspects of r&b and Latin music.

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Their recent eight-song collection is filled with strong melodies, consistently warm and concise trumpet/flugelhorn solos, colorful playing from keyboardist Pabon, and a tight but loose feel from the rhythm section. All but one of the songs is an original by Cox, three of which were co-written with Pabon.

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The opener, “Juégalo,” has the rhythm section establishing a Latin groove, Cox’s flugelhorn lead being a bit reminiscent of Chuck Mangione, and a joyful feeling being set. The ballad “Even Now,” which is worthy of Bob James, has a brief but effective tradeoff between keyboards and flugelhorn. “A Thousand Words” is a bit catchy and conversational in its relaxed phrasing.

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“Yo No Se Manana” is a nice soulful tune with warm flugelhorn and a very singable melody. “Free At Last” has a concise trumpet solo that works quite well in conveying the feeling of the piece. One of the most intriguing numbers on the set, “Always Know,” alternates between two different but complementary themes and gets a bit funky in spots.

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“Sketches In Silk” is highlighted by one of the best flugelhorn solos of the set, leading to the spirited closer “Follow Your Heart” which has a determined feel that fits its title.

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Throughout their release, Groove Tantra performs music that is very easy to enjoy and is easily recommended to those who enjoy danceable yet subtle jazz and captivating grooves. This fine set is available from www.groove-tantra.com."

—Scott Yanow, Jazz Historian and Journalist     L.A. Jazz Scene

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