1975 Bobby Paunetto “Paunetto’s Point” on Pathfinder Records

The second slab in Paunetto’s great 70’s run, with slamming percussion (Milton Cardona/Manny Oquendo!) and horn arrangements while remaining very soulful, a cha cha cha jazzy-riff funky ensemble workout. Of course, it is replete with the signature blocky multi-mallet chords and decisive left hand of “Vince” Paunetto leaning over the vibes on yet another lightning run, and although compositionally all the tracks fit right into the genre and era, Paunetto’s improvising is really strong, and rises above any thoughts of convention, which is why his records are so slick. Ron Lipscombe (Alice C’s “World Galaxy”, Bernard Purdie) on cello rocks it, as does longtime Paunetto sideman John Marrero on electric keys. The mighty Tom Harrell (Kenton, Herman, Braden) is suave as shite on the trumpet while really punching it up as necessary, and his interplay with Ronnie Cuber on alto is worth the price of admission alone. Oquendo and Cuber were in Harlem River Drive with the MIGHTY Eddie Palmieri, and so this is also a chance to pay homage to Eddie. REST IN POWER. Oh yes.