Beltran Stays Connected to Dance Rhythms

It took a little doing, but Louie Cruz Beltran finally managed to cram himself and all nine members of his Latin Jazz Nonette onto the stage at Spazio on Monday night. Four percussionists (including Beltran), three horn players, a pianist, bassist and vibraphone player--a potent aggregation, and one that brought some superheated Latin rhythms and free-flying jazz soloing to the Sherman Oaks jazz supper club.

Beltran--whose diversified career includes acting, working as a studio percussionist, touring with everything from Latin jazz groups to reggae bands, teaching and fronting his own ensemble--was a gregarious, outgoing host. Introducing his musicians and his songs with easygoing commentary and quick-take jokes, driving the music forward with his energetic percussion work, he was the high-voltage sparkplug for the performance.

The diversity of his musical interests became apparent in the first two songs of his set. Opening with his own “Cha Cha Negra,” he quickly shifted gears with the second tune, placing his own rhythmic stamp upon Horace Silver’s classic jazz line, “Song for My Father.” Singer-drummer Eric Diaz stepped to the microphone next to add yet another musical perspective: a sweetly sensual rendering of Alvaro Carrillo’s classic “Sabor a Mi.” Beltran followed up with two more originals, ending with Clare Fischer’s lovely work, “Morning.”

From a listening perspective, the music was well paced and engaging. The combination of strong solo work from alto saxophonist Karolyn Kaffer, trombonist Cotrell Billingsly, trumpeter Serafin Aguilar and pianist Jeff Micuski, brightly swinging ensemble passages and an impassioned percussion section produced a set of performances that stood comfortably on their own.

But for most of the enthusiastic crowd, the ensemble’s appeal was underscored by the danceable rhythms, which cruised easily through cha-cha, salsa, funk and jazz.

In that sense, Beltran--like so many Latin bandleaders--was firmly in touch with a concept many jazz bandleaders have forgotten: Music that remains connected to the dance rhythms at its roots will never lose touch with its audience.