Veteran DJ/Percussionist Mark Cotgrove aka Snowboy has had a long and distinguish career. He’s been an in demand session percussionist, working with esteemed artists like Lisa Stansfield and James Taylor. With his sixteenth album. “New York Afternoon” he has covered of some of his favorite recordings and given them new life. The title track is a cover of the Richie Cole dance classic. The tune is sung by vocalist Mark Evans and backed by sexy horns and sunny rhythms. “Ole Mambo” originally by Edmundo Ros receives an overhaul complete with horn overdubs and sounds more progressive than the original. With “Better” and “Oxen Free” Cotgrove covers two tunes from Boston Mass singer/pianist Jen Kearny. who returns the favor by adding her vocals to the revamped recordings. Cotgrove’s production and arrangements are first rate and the musicians on board are simply superb. A tremendous recording where the covers actually out do the originals. Cotgrove demonstrates once again that he’s a sparkling conga player and an important ambassador of Latin music.
