Clare Fisher and Friends: Rockin’ in Rhythm

Ever-creative keyboardist-composer Clare Fischer is back with another great Latin-infused issue, full of strong melodies and infectious rhythms. The session features six singers who apply the Hi-Lo’s voices-as-instruments sound to original charts and jazz hits.

Fischer’s inventive merging of “Take the ‘ A’Train” with a Brazilian song “O Pato” that has the same opening changes creates a joyous groove on “O Pato Takes ‘A’ Train.” The title track is played in Cuban 6/4 time, while the standard “Speak Low” is given a 3/2 signature. Every track is a jubilant celebration of Latin music, with Fischer’s liner notes providing a valuable listening guide. The session’s sextet includes Don Shelton, formerly with the Hi-Lo’s and Singers Unlimited, who both sings and plays reeds; Fischer’s son, Brent, on electric bass; guitarist John Pisano and percussionists Walfredo Reyes and Michito Sanchez.

Originally Published December 1, 1997