Here’s an album that I’m sure some of you already know. The Jewish American guitarist Marc Ribot, an important figure from downtown NYC and the John Zorn inner circle, and guitar player for rock giants like Tom Waits and Elvis Costello, was the leader of the successful but now defunct latino band “The Prostethetic Cubans“. I happened to stumble upon their second and last album “Muy Divertido!” from 2000, which sounds still as fresh as a daisy after 6 years.

Latin jazz although being one of the most cheerful genres around is also plagued by its static sound and compositions. “Muy Divertido” sees Ribot come to the rescue with a totally electric sound and varied ideas on how to integrate latin rhythms to different shades of jazz and rock.

Ribot’s guitar is something else again. Though it never seems to dominate the catchy rhythms, occasional vocals or aggressively funky beats, Ribot is clearly out front sporting some of the loveliest playing he’s ever done. He’s content to strum his three-chord parts during the melody. But he solos throughout around feelings and moods, rather than technique and style. All about Jazz

Ahh such a gem, this album.