"It's not loud, it's more... dynamic" percussionist Ricardo Guity told our studio audience as The New Triumph prepared to launch into their soulful, rhythm-heavy live session. It wasn't loud, but it was passionate and dynamic.
The Seattle septet pulses with the universal rhythms found in Latin, African and American soul music. Camilo Estrada, the band's leader, and main songwriter came to jazz later in life, with a youthful love of funk obviously contributing to his music today. Estrada guides a fantastic band through his catchy compositions and his playing never disappears into the mesmerizing drumming of Guity and Adam Kessler.
Arie Pytel's sharp guitar work employs generous effects from his row of foot pedals, also helping to power the inescapable rhythm section. Marc Hager's work on electric keys supplies impressive solos, especially on the new song, "Tantos Años", loosely based on a song written by Estrada's great uncle.
Up front, until Estrada follows my suggestion and positions himself front and center on a large pedestal, Robby Beasley and Ariel Loud shared ensemble and solo work on trumpet and saxes respectively.
Hot on the heels of one of my favorite albums from last year, Keep On Push'n, The New Triumph is touring down the west coast after shows at Nectar in Fremont Saturday (with Industrial Revelation and Sisters), and at Vito's on February 2nd.
Catch 'em live, pick up a CD, and keep your ears open - Estrada is hoping to have enough new material for a dynamic new release, perhaps before year's end.
