Gregorio Uribe Big Band

Cumbia Universal

Zoho, 2015

Cumbia, for the uninitiated, is Latin American dance music which has proven to be malleable and open to re-interpretation. Gregorio Uribe treats us to an a big band orchestral reading of his hip swinging vision. Animated and elegant, think of the Count Basie Orchestra swaying and popping, as they back the melody and then soloists, with panache.

There’s a sweet tempo shift on opening track on “Yo Vengo.” The band hits the tune double quick as it races to the finish. The clarinetists sparkle brightly every chance they get to take a few measures. There’s steamy guitar leads in “Que Vamos Hacer Con Este,” and great back and forth of vocals between male and female singers. On “Caribe Contigo” the horn players seem to be enjoying themselves as they have some serious exchanges. There’s a unique and elated take on The Beatles “Come Together,” which saunters into previously uncharted waters.

Gregorio Uribe’s Big Band is an exciting throwback to a different time.