Mambo Zombies

Reviewer: Smoothjazz.com Review
From Chicagoland comes one of the most fun Christmas projects we've ever heard! Actually, this group's website is the most fun we've ever had here at Smoothjazz.com, Christmastime or otherwise, with its colorfully clad mamboing masked zombies dancing their way across the computer screen ala the Rockettes. Despite its entertaining qualities, make no mistake, SOUTH-SIDE CHRISTMAS is also deep jazz my friend... funky, Latin Christmas jazz to be precise. This project is perfect for the jazz enthusiast on your holiday list and for the upcoming holiday celebrations with friends and family; a must have soundtrack while you're pretending to not notice that you're standing under the mistletoe whilst the hottie from the sales department breezes by the eggnog at your annual Christmas soiree. There are seven festive tracks in all including very merry versions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Little Drummer Boy that will have you trimming your tree at double time, and look out, a little "Killer Joe" has crept into the group's jazzed up "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." You'll also hear one of the most pure and soul-stirring renditions of "Christmas Time Is Here." Mambo Zombies, celebrating a decade long collaboration, consists of three main players: Saxophonist/Flutist & Vocalist Dez Desormeaux, Percussionist Luis Prieto Rosario and Keyboardist/Vocalist Jose Valdes. These exceptionally talented musicians are in demand studio professionals and have contributed to hundreds of TV commercials. You can see Mambo Zombies live each Tuesday night at Chicago's premiere jazz supper club, Green Dolphin Street. ~ SANDY SHORE - SANDY SHORE

Reviewer: Aaron Black
From the opening, driving beat of the first track, Mambo Zombies announce their presence with an electric energy that grabs on tight and doesn’t let go for the entirety of this impressive 11-song debut. The stellar playing of all involved brings new vibrancy to such standards as Loverman and Autumn in New York, while Latin legends like Jobim and Esquivel get their tunes presented with hard-driving virtuosity that sacrifices none of the soul. This is Latin jazz that baptizes the uninitiated and thrills the connoisseur. The eponymous release marks a stunning new arrival, but the players are no tyros. Dez Desormeaux, a veteran on the Chicago scene for decades, brings lyrical elegance to his flute work while tackling the saxophone bloodline with vigorous precision. Keyboardist Jose Valdes stays mostly electric, adding edge and buoyancy to Luis Prieto Rosario’s dazzling drums. Guitarist Phil Miller plugs in as well, supporting the masterful trio with gritty musicality. The charged undercurrent knows when to abate, imbuing the softer passages with their own subtlety and grace. This is bold, intimidating stuff that welcomes you with emotional accessibility and lets its artistry speak for itself. Highly recommend. - The Wreckoning

Reviewer: bigBbuzz
I'm from the South Side origionally, but now a long time gone, and I could not believe the syncopation,sophistication, and audacious bodaciousness of these creative spirits!! Even down to the back-up vocals, there was such clarity and drive that I had by the 4th time in a row, my dogs were even singin'!! Thanks for such a fine piece of vibrant expression. - CD Baby

Their instrumental sound is based in Latin styles, including their namesake. On "Mambo Inn" the lively interplay is at once deep and pulsating and yet full of light grace. On "Capullito De Aleli" the airy dancing of the flute cannot help but promote feelings of joy. The whole group's ability to provide a concise, tight melody or head piece and then sway in jazzy, improvisational sojourns at every turn must explain the reason they perform regularly at the Green Dolphin Street in Chicago, IL. Do yourself a favor and acquire this music for your own.

- P.R. Brimstone - - World Rhythm Webzine