Jonathan Powell: from mambo to jazz at the party of life

At Latin American parties, most children never learn to dance; they watch their parents on the dance floor. Subconsciously, they know they will be replicating those steps in a few years. Meanwhile, to leave their seats, they must step into the spotlight. While dodging their relatives, they begin to make their first rhythmic movements. This scene encapsulates the party of life: observing and learning from the masters, with the certainty that, at some point, you will be the one who leads the great dance.

The great dance is born in the intimacy of learning and the creative process, becoming collective when all the elements unite to bring it to life. In the contemporary jazz scene, this dance is called Mambo Jazz Party, the latest album by trumpeter Jonathan Powell. He explains the reason behind its creation: "I’d say the main thing that inspired me was just 20 years in the New York Latin jazz and salsa scene. All those experiences, especially playing with El Maestro Eddie Palmieri, were extremely influential and inspirational. I’d always be on tour with him, and folks would ask me, 'When will you do your Latin jazz record?' That also planted a seed in my head that eventually, I wanted to do that."

These three words—Mambo, Jazz, and Party—are used together to create a combo that's hard to resist. Dissecting them reveals key elements in Powell's musical language. "Mambo, of course, is one of the greatest dance music styles ever conceived. I wanted this album to be danceable, and if you ask a salsa dancer, they will agree," he explains. Transitioning from dance to incorporating the intellectual elements of jazz, he adds, "There are lots of solos, and the harmonies are more influenced by jazz, which is my upbringing and foundation—something I’ll always love." In terms of the party aspect, Powell notes, "Most of the tunes end with a montuno or mambo section because I want to bring the party. I’ve always loved playing live gigs where you play through the piece, follow the verse and chorus forms, and then, at the end, it’s just a jam. To me, that’s the party. We try to bring the party with the music as well."

In addition to the musical and thematic influences Jonathan drew upon for this album, a crucial aspect to understand is the pervasive use of contrasts. "One of the things I love about this project is bringing in diverse influences. There are folkloric rhythms from the Caribbean and Africa, which I combine with traditional salsa and Latin jazz elements. But I also wanted to introduce some new flavors: there’s some electric stuff. Additionally, I’m deeply interested in Eastern spiritualism, and a few of the tunes are inspired by yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. By fusing these different elements, I create a musical collage," he explains.

Amidst this hodgepodge, where the party serves as the gathering point to enjoy these thirteen songs, Powell creates a space for slow, sensual dancing. Some tracks offer a moment of respite, inviting listeners to engage with the trumpeter's more spiritual side. "You might think of meditation and partying as separate things, but I wanted to highlight the connection between them. Meditation, like Zen, is a state that can be achieved through almost any action. To me, it’s all interconnected. Meditation is about energy, and so is the party. I think energy is crucial for music, art, and life in general. This album is a testament to all of that."

The spiritual side is evident in the meditative state he enters every time he plays his trumpet, in the influence of his daughters Hansa and Nanda and his family, and, above all, in his tributes to the great masters who have shaped his musical journey. "I wanted to cover some of my favorite tunes—like You Are Everything, Alone, Alone and Alone, Butterfly, and Urge. They're classics, and I wanted to give them a different spin." From Chick Corea to Terumasa Hino, the possibilities for reimagining these iconic pieces are endless. "A big part of this project is about bringing new life to classic jazz tunes, especially those in the hard bop idiom. I believe that reinterpreting these pieces and getting people on the dance floor will become a hallmark of this group."

I need both playing the trumpet and meditation for my soul and body. If I don’t play the trumpet for a week, my head starts to feel off, and my body feels out of sync. For me, playing is a crucial part of living; it’s essential to my well-being. I’m glad I have the opportunity to express myself through it.

With this deep connection between his spiritual practices and his music, Powell’s band emerges as a vital extension of his artistic expression. "When you listen to the album, you can tell that this is a group of musicians who love each other like family. Every time we get together, it’s like a party because we respect each other so much." The ensemble’s role in his creative life goes beyond mere performance; it is a key component of his well-being and artistic identity. For this production, he used a rotating 18-piece ensemble, which served as a constant source of inspiration. "I've worked with a lot of these musicians for years. Of course, my brother Jeremy Powell—I’ve worked with him the longest. I’ve always had Jeremy on my projects, and he always brings a very unique and special voice. It’s comfortable; we’ve played together so much that he knows exactly how to blend with my tone. I don’t have to do anything; he makes it easy for me. I trust them all so much, and we’ve all had great experiences all over the world together. This album is kind of the fruit of all those years of working together."

For over 20 years, Jonathan Powell absorbed the rhythms and musical arrangements of Eddie Palmieri. Now, he leads his own dance in the world of Latin jazz, rooted in a deep sense of community. Mambo Jazz Party thrives on the collective creativity of musicians who share his vision. In this constant flow of energy, his notes will stay alive as long as dancers keep them moving on the floor.