Grupo X

Desde Londresllega una propuesta de música latina con influencia del excitante sonido neoyorquino de los años sesenta. Está a cargo del Grupo X e incluye un tema a ritmo de festejo- por Martín Gómez.

Como si el sesentero Harlem hispano de Nueva York le hubiera dado la vida,el Grupo X de Londres –en su segunda producción– asoma con una atractiva propuesta de jazz latino, soul y boogalú. Y hay más,la banda inglesa explora con éxito el ritmo afro peruano –así como lo lee– a través de un festejo de gran factura y que lleva por título Quijada, cajón y cencerro.

Jimmy Le Messurier,timbalero y uno de los puntales de la banda,de paso por Lima,nos dijo que Grupo X es un proyecto que trata de rendir tributo a los músicos de la vieja escuela neoyorquina,rescatando la esencia del sonido latino. "Nuestra referencia es el estilo sonoro de La Perfecta de Eddie Palmieri y el Conjunto Libre de Manny Oquendo. Es música que nos hace vibrar",aclara el percusionista, bajo la mirada de Flavia Chévez,su esposa peruana,afrodescendiente,y aplicada discípula de doña Victoria Santa Cruz.

La charla sigue y Jimmy nos habla de su socio,Jonny Enright,director del Grupo X. "Él es fanático de Barry Rogers,el mismo que tocó con Palmieri y con la Fania All Stars",comenta y agrega "hace unos meses el cotizado trombonista Jimmy Bosch lo escuchó en Londres y quedó sorprendido con el toque y la fuerza de Enright". Y realmente es así. Al escuchar la placa de la banda,descubrimos a un Enright que,no por casualidad,decidió prescindir de las trompetas en su formato. El sonido atrapa y lacera. Es contundente. Tanto así que la plena puertorriqueña que se incluye, "For a life",no parece una composición de ahora sino extraída de alguna matriz de La Perfecta o la Alegre All Stars (agrupación previa a la Fania). Pero Jimmy tiene una explicación: “Jonny es muy estudioso y apasionado con lo que hace. Es un trombonista de gran nivel,arreglista y compositor. Y no conoce Nueva York,sin embargo tiene una conexión musical con lo latino que rompe esquemas”.

OÍDO SEÑORES
El disco,titulado Food for your latin soul(Alimento para el alma latina), fue presentado en Londres hace dos semanas por Enright y ya se puede conseguir a través de la página web www.descarga.com. Pronto la prestigiosa revista Latin Beat también lo considerará en su catálogo. "Hemos preparado una placa para los conocedores,para que sepan que en Londres existe un grupo que se aproxima a lo latino. Tanto así que hasta hemos incluido un festejo,que es un ritmo de ustedes,del Perú",dice Jimmy.

La inclusión del festejo es casi producto del azar. El timbalero estaba preparando un fondo musical para una de las clases que dicta su esposa y de pronto los muchachos de la banda escucharon el potente sonido del festejo. Quedaron encantados. “Mucha gente en Londres no sabía que en Perú también hay una corriente africana",añade Jimmy,quien cuenta que los conciertos que dieron tanto Susana Baca como Perú Negro han sido importantes para que la melomanía londinense se interese por la sonoridad afroperuana.

En este contexto,Grupo X apuesta por rescatar lo que algunos llaman "la salsa inteligente". Y lo está consiguiendo. Su primera producción "XPosure" (2001) fue una alerta sonora que llamó la atención de la crítica. Ahora,con su segunda entrega,confirman lo que al principio solo se intuía: es una banda bien afiatada e inquieta por demostrar el talento de sus músicos. Precisamente,algunos nombres que resaltan en esta plantilla de virtuosos son Trevor Mires,en el trombón; Finn Peters,en el saxo alto y tenor; Olly Drew,en la guitarra; y John Crawford,en el piano. En la parte vocal comparten honores el sonero Carlos Peña y la voz muy especial de la jamaiquina Lisa Millet. Y por supuesto,los timbales están a cargo de Jimmy Le Messurier,el mismo que estuvo de vuelta en Surquillo y participó en cuanta jarana criolla le salió al frente. A este paso que no nos sorprenda un disco londinense solo con música afroperuana. Jimmy tiene la palabra. - El Commercio newspaper, Peru, March 2006

"You may not know it, not only does everybody has a little soul like Carmel proclaimed in the late 80s but you also have a Latin soul which needs to be nurtured. And what could be a more luxurious meal for your Latin soul than Grupo X’s new album? I first heard of Grupo-X via the Snowboy compiled sampler The True Jazz Dance Session back in 2000, which featured Grupo-X’s Brand New Love with Lisa Millett on vocals. And I was so in love with this song that I didn’t hesitate to get a copy of Grupo X’s debut album X-Posure. While at first I was a little bit disappointed that Lisa only sung on one song I soon discovered the beauty of the band’s own blend of Latin rhythms, jazz and soul. Finally, after a six years hiatus founder Jonny Enright is back with a new album and the good news is that Lisa is featured on six tracks and the new album features overall more songs with vocals on it this time around. The band members Jonny Enright (trombone, organ), Finn Peters (saxes, flute), Jimmy LeMessurier (drums, vocals, keys), Pete Eckford (congas, bongos, percussions), John Crawford (piano, wurlitzer), Simon Edwards (bass, organ), Carlos A. Peña (vocals, guiro, maracas) are supported this time by Trevor Mires (trombone), Olly Drew (guitars), Julie-Ann Gillett Smith (violin) and Janina Kopinska (viola). With eleven original compositions Food For Your Latin Soul is a cornucopia of inspiring Latin jazz songs. Like on Brand New Love Lisa excels beyond the pumping house grooves she may be more familiar for. Whether she adds her magic to the soulful opener Get Through To You, the infectious percussive driven This Must Be The Place or sings with nonchalance on You Qualify, it’s good to hear her in an organic music setting that suits her voice much more than computer generated house beats. It’s really hard to decide which is the best tune of Food For Your Latin Soul to satisfy your appetite. Actually they are all great. And unlike some uninspired fast food (read disposable music) these tunes will keep you satisfied, happy and dancing for a long time. Take the catchy Que Suene La Banda with Carlos A. Peña on vocals or the fast Latin house hybrid (with the emphasize on Latin of course) X-Perience with its great piano intro and tight brass section, which surely will cause some damage on discerning dancefloors. With the right remixes this may easily be a cross-over hit. Even the funky instrumental Spare Ribs can be enjoyed without reservation by a vegetarian like me. Don’t go for any less than the real thing to nourish your Latin Soul. And Grupo X’s new album Food For Your Latin Soul is the real thing and you won’t find a better soulful Latin jazz album this year."
- Jazz-not-jazz.com (John Freer, Feb. 06)

Descarga is the tradition of Latin jam sessions and literally means 'discharge'. Its raison d'être of improvisation provides the most obvious meeting point with jazz, something which has been increasingly dawning on jazz musicians. Like jazz, the origins of descarga are debatable. Arguably the earliest pieces that could be described as descarga were recorded in New York in the '40s. Currently it's believed that pianist Bebo Valdés and members of the Tropicana night club orchestra recorded the first descarga in Cuba under the name of The Andre's All Stars in 1952. The next major milestone was the five album series of Cuban Jam Session albums on the Panart label (released between 1956 and 1964), including the influential Cuban Jam Sessions In Miniature (1957) by the still active 82 year old bassist Israel López 'Cachao'. Other landmark recordings were made by the Alegre All-Stars, Cesta All-Stars and Salsa All-Stars during the 1960s, all produced by the extraordinary Al Santiago (1932-1996).

Trombonist Jimmy Bosch is a young veteran of the New York descarga school who paid his dues with Latin titans like timbales player Manny Oquendo, whose band Libre has featured jazz trombonists Ed Byrne, Dan Reagan and Steve Turre; Ray Barretto, who started a prolific career as a jazz sideman in the late '50s (just check out the sleeves of classic Blue Note and Riverside albums); and the aforementioned legend Cachao. Two albums into his bandleading career, Soneando Trombón (1998) and Salsa Dura (1999) on RykoLatino, Jimmy left his band behind in the Big Apple to guest with a 'thinly disguised' Grupo X, as Hi-Hat deejay and MC Snowboy put it, in a no holds barred Descarga Cubana at the Jazz Café on 24 September 2000. The seven-piece band were a seamless match for Jimmy's accomplished talents. Incredible, bearing in mind they had not played together before that night.

After the opening number, a rugged and driving rendition of Eddie Palmieri's classic 'Vamonos Pa'l Monte', featuring shades of the piano maestro's '60s trademark trombanga sound (that's two trombones and flute), Jimmy announced: 'We have no clue what this is going to develop into. Have a great time!' For the next hour and a half, seven numbers drawn from the descarga canon provided the setting for amazing ensemble playing and a jumping-off point for an orgy of virtuoso soloing. This included lead vocalist Carlos Peña, because in descarga (and authentic salsa for that matter) the voice is also an improvising instrument. Carlos particularly shone during 'Quimbombo', singing improvised phrases against a hand-clapped riff provided by the audience. Bassist Simon Edwards contributed a notable solo during this number. Highlights from 'Anabacoa', a tune associated with the revered Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino, were Jimmy's tasty hard stabbing moñas (improvised riffs), which trombonist/ Grupo X leader Jonny Enright and saxist Finn Peters effortlessly picked-up, and an eloquent timbales solo from Berklee trained Jim le Messurier.

'Bamboleate', the Eddie Palmieri/ Cal Tjader classic also associated with Manny Oquendo & Libre, contained more trombanga flavouring and an array of notable solos, including Peters on flute and timbalero le Messurier. The following number, 'Voy Campesino del Monte', showcased Peña's soneos (extemporised lyrics), Pete Eckford's conga dexterity and a glorious piano solo by John Crawford, which began in typical Cuban style and then seemed to deconstruct and rebuild before your very ears!

Throughout the set, Jimmy signalled his approval of solos by shouting 'Wooaarr!'. Immediately afterwards he told me: 'I felt really comfortable with the band, and they were obviously comfortable with me.' Truly an endorsement of the world class calibre of the UK-based personnel of Grupo X. Jim le Messurier, who leads his own typical salsa band La Clave, put the gig into context: 'We are virtually the same guys who backed visiting salsa and Latin jazz stars such as Tito Allen, Orlando Watusi (as La Clave), Alfredo Rodríguez, Johnny Blas, Bobby Matos (as Grupo X), and will soon be doing Dave Pike (a CuBop label artist), also at the Jazz Café. This is a rhythm section which has been together a long time, been through a lot together and that is why it convinces.'

Without doubt, Jimmy's stunning, charismatic and literally dancing trombone solos reconfirmed his stellar status. However, a man to watch out for is pianist John Crawford, whose skilful and imaginative solos attracted a unanimous thumbs-up from aficionados I spoke to.
- John Child descarga.com, totallyradio.com (Sept. 2002)

Definitely of interest to any fan of good music is Grupo X’s second album, ‘Food For Your Latin Soul’ (Loft Recordings). Trombonist Jonny Enright and timbalero Jimmy Le Messurier are the songwriting powerhouse behind this brilliant combo, who combine that very British talent for soul-boogie inflected with latin rhythm patterns and hooks (think Incognito meets Cymande!). One of the best – and most original- bands working in the latin music field today.
- DJ John Armstrong (Latinvibe.co.uk)

Formed by trombonist Jonny Enright in 1996, Grupo-X issued their successful debut CD, X-Posure in 2001. The young band impressed us with its considerable fire at the time.

Grupo-X has seen little personnel change since the first disc. However, one small change has made the world of difference. That transformation was achieved by the addition of a second trombone. It enabled the band to turn up the heat another notch.

All songs on Food For Your Latin Soul are penned by band members Jonny Enright, Oily Drew, Jimmy LeMessurier, Carlos Pena and Simon Edwards. The lively tunes really bring the band's power and fire to the forefront while the twin trombones add punch and smack to the arrangements.

Happily, the singers with the group have not changed with Carlos Pena and Lisa Millett sharing the vocal spotlight. Lisa Millett was listed as a guest performer on the debut recording and it's great to see her as a permanent member now. Millett's voice may be heard on six tracks including our favorites "You Qualify" and "For A Life." Carlos Pena lends his vocal prowess to another gem in the form of "Que Suene La Banda" which he co-wrote with Jonny Enright.

Reed player Finn Peters offers exciting solos on alto, tenor and flute throughout the album. The rhythm section of LeMessurier, Eckford, Crawford, Edwards and Drew sparkle ceaselessly.

Perhaps you'll be surprised to find that Grupo-X isn't about to be found in Havana, Buenos Aires or Rio de Janiero. Grupo-X is from England and may be heard in some of London's fine venues. This band is truly worth a close listen! You can hear samples on their web space.
- Richard Bourcier (Senior Staff writer, jazzreview.com)

Latin Soul from the United Kingdom -- a very hip group from London, and one who blend older American Latin styles with some of the small combo soul styles of the English scene! The sound here is cleaner and leaner than most other American Latin combos -- in styles that draw heavily on percussion, bass, and piano -- but also feature some great jazzy solo work on trombones and saxes. Many cuts have vocals -- both in English and Spanish -- and the overall groove is a really striking hybrid -- quite respectful of its New York roots, but also with a distinctly London vibe! Titles include "Spare Ribs", "This Must Be The Place", "Get Through To You", "Let's Get Connected", "J's Joint", "For A Life", and "Sunshine". - Dusty Groove America (March 06)

Hot off the stove. All the spices you need. Come and get it. - Nat Creole Magazine, NYC (March 06)

Grupo X is one swinging unit! I first heard of this talented group of London Latin Jazzers on the Cubop records release Viva Cubop Vol.2. The two tunes that were selected for that compilation were out of this world. I began to think to myself “ Mmm I better find out more about these cats”. The sound that they have created is a tasty blend of Latin, Jazz, Soul and just the right touch of Boogaloo. This is party music without a doubt. The tunes on this their debut recording X- Posure will have you bailando all over and have you asking for more.

If you remember and enjoyed as I do all the swinging groups from the mid 1960’s and early 70’s, Grupo X will quickly become one of your favorites. I can’t help but be reminded of all the creative and tasty material that was coming out of New York during the Latin Soul / Boogaloo era. The music of Joe Bataan, Johnny Colon, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, Pete Rodriguez, The Latinaires, Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaria, Ocho and many others introduced Latin Music to a wider audience with it’s appealing mix of Latin, Soul and R&B. Many traditionalists seem not to want to remember this period in Latin Music and even the great Tito Puente was quoted as saying “ The Boogaloo stunk”. However, the sounds and groups of this time inspired and created a new sound as well as a new dance known as the Boogaloo. A mixing of Jazz, R&B, Soul and Latin Rhythm.

Grupo X has backed such notable Latin Jazz talents like Bobby Matos, Johnny Blas, Jack Costanzo, Alfredo Rodriguez, Jimmy Bosch and legendary vibes master Dave Pike. Make no mistake, Grupo X is here and on the scene with their own energetic sound. What is especially hip is that all the tunes on this release come from within the group. All original swinging and cool Latin Jazz with a London Flavor.

The members that come together to form Grupo X are all top-notch and make this recording an instant classic. Jonny Enright (Trombone & Background vocals), Finn Peters (Alto Sax & Flute), Jimmy Le Messurier (Timbales, Bell, Cajon, Background vocals), Pete Eckford (Congas, Bongos), John Crawford (Fender Rhodes), Simon Edwards (Bass), Carlos Pena (Vocals, Maracas & Guiro) and invited guests Lisa Millet (Vocals), Roger Beaujolais (Vibes), Sean Corby (Trumpet, Flugelhorn).

Listen to the vibrant vocals of Lisa Millet on the opening Latin Soul number “Brand New Love”. This is what the Grupo X sound is all about. Very nice and adds a touch of elegance to this line-up of all ready grooving tunes. If you like straight ahead mambo riffs check out the elegant “Why ?” and “ The X-Factor” which feature the classy sound of Roger Beaujolais’s vibes. Roger has been apart of London music scene for many years now with his own Latin Jazz group The Beaujolais Band and his Acid Jazz sounding Vibraphonic. I like his style on the vibes.

No question, the tunes “Jonny’s Bugalu” and “Mi Tumbao” both cook and are heavily influenced by the Nuyorican sound. I like the break in “Jonny’s Bugalu” and you will too. It almost takes on a new life and swings with some hard edge Latin Groove. I would definitely categorize this one as a party tune. I also like the tune “ X-Posure”, the title track. This one was co-written by Timbalero Jimmy LeMessurier and Trombonist Jonny Enright. It is a funky-style Mozambique and lets the group get creative. If you like Rumba mixed with your Jazz you will dig “Guanguanco en Chicago Chico” which is a pure drive of Afro-Cuban. I really dig “Eye 2 Eye” which is the kind of tune that mixes the soul of James Brown, the groove of the band War and the right punch of Latin ala Poncho Sanchez. Man is this a great tune. Listen to the great solos on Trombone by Jonny Enright and Alto Sax by Finn Peters…Hip Stuff! I heard this tune and got up and shaked my booty all over and you will too. If you don’t move to the groove that Grupo X has created on this one you might as well pack it in.

Grupo X has become a favorite in the UK and I can’t wait to check them out live myself. The Latin Jazz world has added into its ranks a new group with all the makings of a winner. I introduce to you Grupo X check them out Y A Gozar!
- Erik "Chico" Manqueros, The Latin Style of Jazz & LatinJazzClub.com (April '01)

Grupo X are one of Europe’s leading latin jazz groups. Led by trombonist Jonny Enright and based in London, they initially evolved as an offshoot of the UK’s premier salsa band of the 90’s, Orquesta La Clave.

The band soon acquired a style of it’s own. A blend of classic Nuyorican salsa and latin jazz of the 70’s mixed with bugalu and soul. Add a touch of English vocals and a love for the classic dancefloor jazz sounds of London in the 80’s and the fusion was complete. Latin jazz/funk DJ and percussionist Snowboy is the band’s biggest fan. Their track “Brand New Love” featured on his “Snowboy Presents The Hi-Hat” compilation on Ocho Records in 2000.

Live, the band have a reputation for “kickin’ ass”! They are house latin band at London’s Jazz Café, especially at the “Messin’ Around” and “The Hi-Hat” club nights. They’ve backed U.S. percussion stars Johnny Blas and Bobby Matos, legendary vibes man Dave Pike, Cuban master pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, and number one Nuyorican trombonist Jimmy Bosch. That’s one hell of a list!

What about the music? Firstly, all compositions are original material! That on its own is a great achievement. But the fact that they are great tunes too, and swing like crazy, must also be applauded. Main composer is Jonny Enright, himself, with major input from fellow band members Jimmy LeMessurier, Carlos Pena, Pete Eckford, and sometime X-man Dave Pattman.

The playing on the album is top-notch and every facet of latin jazz is covered. Opener “Brand New Love” is a UK jazz dance classic in the Dingwalls/Hi-Hat tradition, featuring soul-diva Lisa Millett on vocals. “X-Posure” is a funky Mozambique. Vocal tune “Jonny’s Bugalu” is a party number – handclapping, footstomping latin soul. “Guaguanco en Chicago Chico” is pure rumba jazz. “Mi Tumbao”, a son montuno with more Spanish vocals. “Why?” is smooth latin jazz. “Eye2Eye” is a soulful latin tune, heavy on the groove and drenched with the blues! A dancefloor hit for sure, with a passing nod to Herbie Mann and War! Final tune “The X-Factor” features guest vibes-man Roger Beaugolais in full Bobby Hutcherson mode- a nice touch to end a great and varied album.

Grupo X have made their reputation in UK with some heavy hitting live gigs. People are talking. When latin legends like Bobby Matos and Jimmy Bosch sing your praises, you know you must be doing something right! Now it’s time for the rest of the world to hear their message and see what all the fuss is about. Enjoy this unique brand of London latin soul jazz, and be sure to watch out for future releases - Grupo X are here to stay.
- DJ Lubi Jovanovic, Straight No Chaser Magazine (March '01)

Sublime UK Latin soul that kicks from start to finish. Thoroughly recommended - quality stuff. - Malcolm Prangell, Blues and Soul Magazine (May '01)