Album Review: Live at the Belly Up Tavern, Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band – June 11, 2023

Album Review: Live at the Belly Up Tavern – Ross Schodek on Bass…

Having lived in the Caribbean for 18 years, I developed a deep love for what’s commonly known as Latin Jazz. Over the years, I’ve heard countless performances, from up-and-coming neighborhood bands to world-class professionals. Among the many artists I’ve followed, Poncho Sanchez has long been one of my favorites, so I was thrilled to dive into this new live album.

Recorded at the iconic Belly Up Tavern on June 11, 2023, and released April 4, 2025, this album captures the energy of a live performance while maintaining superb sound quality. In the past, live recordings often suffered from muddled mixes or poor balance, but the engineers here really nailed it. Every instrument and vocal is crisp and clear, with just the right touch of ambient crowd noise to keep the live vibe alive without becoming distracting.

As a conguero, Poncho’s conga playing is front and center throughout the album, anchoring each track with his signature rhythmic drive. The congas are complemented beautifully by bongos, timbales, and other essential percussion instruments, creating the rich rhythmic layers that define Latin Jazz. The bass, tightly interwoven with the percussion, offers plenty of standout moments for fellow bass enthusiasts like myself. I’ve always loved the syncopated pulse of this genre, and the band delivers it with impeccable timing and precision.

The album features ten well-crafted tracks that showcase a range of time signatures and influences, particularly the Afro-Antillean roots that are central to Latin Jazz. Each track is both musically engaging and undeniably danceable, with solid arrangements that provide a perfect stage for the band’s exceptional musicianship.

If I had to pick a standout, it would be “Night Dream,” which is played in a challenging, rarely-heard tempo. Be sure to stay tuned through to the final track, as that’s where bassist Ross Schodek delivers an excellent solo that serves as the perfect closing note for bass lovers.

Live at the Belly Up Tavern is the kind of album you’ll want to enjoy with a cold drink in hand, letting it transport you straight into the heart of the performance. It’s a vibrant, live experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Live at the Belly Up Tavern is available at Amazon.com