Rebel\ ‘rebel 1a: to oppose those in authority who do not act in the best interest of humankind.
Tumbao\ toóm-‘Bah-o (Spanish) 1a: a syncopated bass and conga rhythm that makes you want to groove your ass off.
Musical Director, multi-percussionist, composer and spoken word artist, José Claussell fulfills a vision and breaches a new musical dimension and an organic concept of rhythmic diversity with his new CD, Rebel Tumbao.
Born with the gift of expressing rhythm and nurtured with a mind-blowing array of musical influences that span the global soundscape, José is a performer celebrated for his dynamic, spiritual and unique style of drumming and approach to music.
Like the current residence of the author of this review, the genesis of his musical journey can be traced back to his Brooklyn roots and a brownstone that was affectionately called “The madhouse of music”.
In 1989 Eddie Palmieri invited José to join his band and catapulted him to the major
stages and clubs of the world, which led to recording and performance appearances with major artists such as, Ray Barretto, Richie Havens, Randy Weston, Donald Harrison, La India, Little Louie Vega, the Frank Sinatra Orchestra, Victor Manuelle, Tony Toni Tone, Chico Freeman, Hilton Ruiz and many more.
José has recorded seven productions with Mr. Palmieri, three of which received Grammy nominations as well as, Masterpiece, Palmieri’s collaboration with Tito Puente that won the award for best Salsa album in 2000. In conclusion, his musical mileage establishes credibility we must tip our hats to.
Enter Rebel Tumbao – a culmination of a journey that began in 2002. The awareness invoking self-titled debut delivers a collaborative call to consciousness with AFRO LATIN ROOTS MUSIC, where bilingual Spanish/Anglophonic spirit-filled Afro-Diasporic traditions blend with compatible chemistry.
The title sets up listeners with non-conformist creativity and unpredictable surprises that will sync with many, inter-generationally. The foundation of this unique sound is led by the masterful Claussell, who seems to have been reading the pulse of the sleeping giant, where demand for a refreshing composite sound has been brewing.
The CD revisits a classic theme of blending respected genres from the firm foundation of old school jazz-tinged NuYoRicanized Salsa Dura (Cosmopolitized New York-based First thru the third generation Puerto Ricans and their descendants that upgraded Afro-Cuban root music to match an urban aesthetic) with Jamaican Reggae vis a vis Bob Marley and gospelized soul-stirring R&B.
Each track is garnished with unexpected flavors from Boricua Isleño sonero lead coros (Island-based Puerto Rican lead vocalist lead call and response), Doo Wop harmonizing and accents from diaspora Yoruba devotional chants to Colombian Cumbia licks and more.
From the outset and throughout all ten plus bonus tracks, the listener is prepared for a musical journey as lead vocalist, Toussaint’s husky, resonant tenor, delivers with a depth of soul and musical influences that range a vocal spectrum. In complementary fashion, on bilingual tracks, soneros (vocalists) Herman Olivera and Marco Bermudez deliver criollo (Creolized) authenticity supported by a genuine down-home coro sabroso (flavorful/soulful chorus) calling for pro-active compassion to the human condition. Be encouraged to listen carefully to receive those heartfelt messages.
Diverse, seductive heartthrob montunos (soulful vamps) are, at times haunting with minor chords accented by fellow CD producer keyboardist, Matt Jenson’s in-the-pocket groove, Clausell’s precision timbale work, hyper-bongo and crisp Bata work by Anthony Carrillo, soul-stirring trombone work by Angel Subero Squantch and Scott Flynn. Let the lyrics push the listener to reflect.
