10/28/11

Eugene Uman
The Convergence Project
You Man

By Bill Milkowski

Pianist-composer Eugene Uman juggles Colombian rhythms and jazz soloing on this tasty hybrid. Drummer Satoshi Takeishi and his bassist brother Stomu provide the all-important groove on “Cumbia Dramatica,” while trombonist Jeff Galindo, tenor saxophonist Michael Zsoldos and Uman take turns blowing potent solos. The buoyant pasillo dance number “Isla Luna” prominently features Eugene Friesen on cello and Zsoldos on soprano sax. Uman switches to Fender Rhodes on the rock-influenced “Facing the Sun” and the highly charged Afro-Cuban number “Bembé.” Other highlights include the dramatic “Blues Para Uraba”; the spacious and droning “December Raga,” a great feature for Freisen and Satoshi; and the soulful closer, “Wheel of Time.”