Conrad Herwig: Reflections-Facing South

SAVANT (RELEASED AUGUST 29, 2025)

I’ll admit it, I am not a huge fan of Lartin jazz! Too often the sensuous and lyrical melodies are obliterated by blaring trumpets and overpowered by the incessant beat of congas, timbales and other drums. Thankfully, that is not the case with the music presented on Reflections-Facing South. The reason is obvious — there are no trumpets or drummers. The trio of trombonist Conrad Herwig, the late pianist Eddie Palmieri and bassist Luques Curtis manage to capture the intoxicating rhythms and beautiful melodies of Latin jazz without all the fuss. With his fluid and big tone Herwig tends to focus on the lyrical melodies which were written by him, Palmieri or the two together. Palmieri’s distinctive percussive style of playing provides the underlying rhythms as well as some exciting solos (despite his boisterous vocalizations). Curtis, when he is not playing marvelous solos, is the pulse of the trio. Together, the three explores a full range of Latin jazz moods. On the opening track, Palmieri and Curtis establish the rhythm for “Bianco’s Waltz” as Herwig luxuriates on the melody line. Palmieri’s comping for Herwig and Curtis’ solos on this tune and throughout the session adds the perfect rhythmic punch. “Que Viva Barry” shows the jazzier side of the trio as they explore its syncopated melody. The prayer-like opening of “Listen Lady” is perfect for Herwig’s recitation of the melody line before the tune evolves into a more familiar Latin feel. “Cuando Se Habla De Amor” and “Monica” explore the more tender side of Latin jazz with Herwig gliding over the soft melodies. The sensuous tango, “El Guerrero Solitario” is just that — a gentle and yet propulsive tune powered by the strong bass line of Curtis. These three musicians, who have worked together in various Palmieri bands, have captured the beauty and energy of Latin jazz on Reflections-Facing South. It’s simple. It’s pure. It’s flowing. It’s intoxicating. And they did it all without blaring trumpets and percussion!

BOTTOM LINE: Think of Reflections-Facing South as Latin jazz un-percussionized! The trio of trombonist Conrad Herwig, pianist Eddie Palmieri and bassist Luques Curtis explore the nine Latin American inspired tunes with grace, simplicity and a sense of purity that is often lacking when many larger ensembles play this genre.