For those not in the know, with the Belly Up Tavern newly outfitted for pristine audio and video capturing, Sánchez saw the opportunity for a new milestone project and handpicked material that balances fresh takes on both Latin jazz standard and deep cuts and familiar repertoire in Sánchez’s catalog.

Since the inception of ensembles under his own name beginning in 1980, Sánchez has operated by having his band members bring new songs or arrangements to the table and collectively fine tuning them until they get his stamp of approval. Preparing for the live recording was no different and was approached like any other recording project.

On choosing to record a record near San Diego at the Belly Up Tavern, Sánchez remarks on the geography serving as a central hub between their Southern California audience and fans in Tijuana, Mexico who have the opportunity to drive up for San Diego shows. Historically, Sánchez and his band have performed at top festivals and venues across the city.

Once the Belly Up Tavern enhanced their live recording capabilities, it felt like a natural fit to record a live album there. “When they upgraded for live recordings, it was the perfect opportunity. This club feels like home.”

1. À Bientôt
2. Poncho’s Beat
3. Sabor, Sabor
4. Llegué
5. Night Dream
6. Aunque Tu
7. Poncho in the One Ways
8. Boogaloo Joe
9. Batin Cha Cha
10. Guachi Guara (Soul Sauce)

On his 31st recording, legendary Latin jazz percussionist Sánchez opens it up on the smooth hipsway of the Freddie Hubbard original À Bientôt and the rambunctiously infectious Poncho’s Beat (based on “Monguito’s Theme,” a song by the son of one of his heroes and mentors, Mongo Santamaria) and then we get the low slung grooves of Sabor, Sabor (from the 1968 album Fania All Stars record Live at the Red Garter, Vol. 1), the spirited Llegué (Joe Cuba Sextet) and the soulfully fun Night Dream (original Afro-Cuban song in 6/8 by Ron Blake).

Along next is the languishing beauty of the sung Aunque Tu and that is in turn backed seamlessly by the fervently sculpted Poncho in the One Ways (a medley of three of Sánchez’s originals), the funky Boogaloo Joe (named after guitarist Ivan Joseph Jones), the set rounding out on the hot salsa beats that drive Batin Cha Cha, closing on the impassioned Guachi Guara (Soul Sauce).

www.ponchosanchez.com