Merengue, the national music of the Dominican Republic ferociously driven by percussive provincial rhythms such as pambiche, perico ripiao, el maco, guinchao and palo, is the natural choice for conga master Alex Diaz to blend his native roots with jazz improvisation in Beyond 145th Street . Diaz and featured saxophonist m: Ivan Renta continue their musical innovations and tribute to the late saxophonist m: Mario Rivera , who was associated with m: Tito Puente , which began with the release of Merengue Jazz King (Self Produced, 2010+).

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Alex Diaz: Beyond 145th Street