Against the backdrop of the gorgeous Monterey Bay, I was fortunate today to witness a performance by the Zarate Pollace Project on the Santa Cruz Wharf adjacent to the Beach and Boardwalk for the annual Art and Wine Festival. It was 70 degrees and the sky and ocean appeared seamlessly deep blue in the distance. I feel fortunate this performance was just minutes from my home.

Abel Zarate and his musical partner Michelle Pollace play global jazz with a decided South American bent. Today they were supported by the meticulous Ray Uribes on bass and the excellent Edwin Santos on drums. I made the assumption that he is John Santos' brother, the well-known SF/Bay Area percussionist, but in truth he is a cousin. Edwin can play a mean batucada and solo in 6/8 ferociously. He and Abel go back to playing with Coke and Pete Escovedo back in the day. Edwin and Ray locked in tight for the entire three-hour set, handling all manner of samba and then some.

Michelle Pollace is a dream keyboardist for any guitarist and/or horn player, but stands on her own just fine. Lovely chord voicings, pulsating montunos, along with superb fusion chops on a moment's notice; what a treat she is to hear.

Abel has obviously travelled a long way from his Malo days. If you enjoy Metheny, Ritenour, Scofield, Carlton, and Benson, then you'll love what he's up to musically these days. His solo lines are silky and fluid with purpose. One tune, "Innocencia," was dedicated to Carlos Santana. Think in the Flor D'Luna, Europa vein, etc., but with more chord changes in a cha-cha.

This ensemble would sit in just fine with the GRP label and most definitely should be included in the next Voices of Latin Rock Benefit. If anyone has credentials and deserves inclusion it clearly is Abel Zarate.

Check out the website, www.zaratepollace.com for more info and order the CD, "Soul Redemption," while you're at it.