Simpático cover

Released 20 years ago

Simpático

Eddie Palmieri · 2006

66 min · 9 tracks · salsa

A vibrant fusion of intricate jazz rhythms and rich salsa melodies, showcasing a masterful interplay of piano and brass.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Que Sería La Vida — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and lyrical depth, capturing the essence of life through a vibrant salsa lens embellished with jazz harmonies.
  • →
    Páginas de mujer — The song combines poignant melodies with complex arrangements, highlighting Palmieri's ability to weave emotional narratives into danceable music.
  • →
    Jazz Impromptu — This piece exemplifies the seamless blend of jazz improvisation with Latin influences, showcasing the virtuosity of both Palmieri and his ensemble.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate jazz and salsa elements, showcasing strong musicianship but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid piano runs and syncopated brass, setting a lively tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing musicians to showcase their virtuosity.
  • The final track features a gradual deceleration in tempo, creating a reflective conclusion after the preceding intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant rhythms for dance
  • long tracks inviting immersion
  • celebratory energy with friends
  • melodic richness for exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of 'Simpático's release in 2006, Eddie Palmieri was an established figure in Latin jazz, celebrated for his innovative style. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into blending traditional salsa with contemporary jazz elements, following his Grammy Award-winning works in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Stylistic neighbors
Tito Puente· Willie Colón· Ray Barretto

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Palmieri Effect 7:54
  • 2 Que Sería La Vida 5:25
  • 3 Guajira Dubois 8:52
  • 4 Jazz Impromptu 6:03
  • 5 Páginas de mujer 8:39
  • 6 Slippery 8:18
  • 7 Jazzucar 8:24
  • 8 Tema Para Marissa 6:15
  • 9 Free Hands 6:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata