I'm a big fan and collector of Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz band. I believe this is his best effort in several years. Good mix of Salsa and Blues. You can't miss on this one..........it makes you "move"!!!

Poncho Sanchez `Raise Your Hand' CD review; Concord Records
Poncho Sanchez is always an interesting artist who on his recent releases mixes his Latin beats with good old rhythm and blues, which never fails to satisfy the listener with a unique and delicious mix of these ingredient/genres. The two time Grammy nominee and once Grammy award winner has obviously been affected by the music he grew up with in the sixties and seventies, and `Raise your Hand' is just another fine example of his fondness for the sounds of classic soul that he beautifully creates his own unique mix of funky Latin jazz and soul.
Soul sensation Eddie Floyd brings an obvious and authentic flair to the proceedings, as the Stax/Soul icon delivers the goods on his classic hits; the title track "Raise Your Hand," and "Knock on Wood." And check out Mr. Sanchez belting it out along-side of Eddie where they are favorably trading verses in a high spirited manner. Never before has the magic of classic Memphis Soul has been covered as it is done on `Raise Your Hand,' as the additional guests appearances of Booker T. Jones on organ and Steve Cropper on guitar work perfectly with Poncho Latin Groove. Speaking of Eddie Floyd it is interesting to note that it's neat to see those Stax greats re-united as they were back in the day when Booker T. & the MG's backed Eddie Floyd, except with a different twist here, as they turn up the heat with the addition of Poncho's band as their leader.
The very distinctive saxophonist Maceo Parker, who came to prominence playing with the late James Brown, matches perfectly with Poncho's Latin Soul with their cover of the late great Jr. Walker smash hit "Shotgun," plus Maceo is also on board on the funky instrumental "Maceo's House." Speaking of Maceo Parker; he definitely possesses a rare sound from his saxophone that is immediately identifiable, and it's cool to hear Maceo and Poncho seemingly enjoying each-others melding sounds on this very fine recording.
Blues and Rhythm and Blues lovers do need to know that this is not just a Latin Soul recording, as this disk also contains the more traditional aspects of Latin Jazz, which are represented extremely well with tight arrangements and excellent interplay.
None the less; `Raise Your Hand,' is Poncho Sanchez's twenty-second release for Concord Picante, and on this release Poncho and his band are always well focused, plus they show their flair for authentic Soul, which should garner Poncho additional world-wide commercial appeal.

Note: Poncho mentioned that a Latin Soul project is potentially in the works at Concord Records, where Poncho, E. Floyd, S. Cropper, and Booker T. will be recorded live- stay tuned!

Bob Putignano www.SoundsofBlue.com bob8003@yahoo.com

Very good job by the Master Congero. He's was able to put together a very a good balance between soul music and his bread butter Latin Music

I recently heard Poncho Sanchez live for the first time and was immediately in love with his music. I had to buy the CD after hearing Poncho's great arrangements of soul classics "Shotgun", "Raise Your Hand" and "Knock on Wood". Including Booker T. & the MGs on several of the album cuts was a great bonus. The rest of the album contains smokin' Latin jazz arrangements with a great rhythm section and tight horn arrangements.