Rumba Abierta's Reviews

EARSHOTJAZZ MAGAZINE, October 2000

This Latin jazz sextet, led by ace guitarist Vineet, pulls off the rare feat of being convincing and exciting as both Latin and jazz. They perform well-known Latin-jazz tunes, as well as plenty of originals by several members of the band, and adaptations of American jazz standards to the Latin rhythm world. The leader, originally from the New York are, but a Seattle resident since 1987, has been a frequent collaborator with some of the region's top jazz players - the likes of Jay Thomas, Floyd Standifer, Don Lamphere, and the late Freddie Greenwell - and is also well-known in R&B circles. on piano is Julio Jauregui, from Mexico City, who settled in Seattle by way of college in Eugene and work in Portland. An adept of Afro-Cuban music, and a composer for several bands, he is best-known for his work in such bands as Latin Expression, and for writing arrangements for many salsa dance bands. on electric bass is one of the city's first-call players on that instrument, Dean Schmidt. Jeff Busch, known primarily as a percussionist in Brazilian and other Latin bands - working, for example with Jovino Santos Neto - demonstrates in Rumba Abierta that he is also and outstanding kit drummer. On saxophone is Brian Kent, one of the treasures of Seattle Jazz, equally proficient in several breaches of the art form. A player deserving all the attention a listener gives him. On congas and percussion is Chris Stromquist who has studied in Africa, South America, and Cuba, and performs regularly with Seattle area bands Sambaleiro, Mambrasa and Yerbabuena.
In the roomy central concert space of the Crossroads Market, there's plenty of room in front for your kids - you, too - to dance.