Howard Mandel, author of The Puppeteers, aptly stated in his liner notes that the group deals in “fresh-jazz,” music which “sounds just happened” – not “look-ats-the-past”, but “here’s how-we-play now.” The collective sound reflects the many influences each member brings to the table. If the heady scent of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and funk idioms is detectable, the Puppeteers have succeeded. Each player is remembered for the music that shaped them into who they are today. It is important to remember that although they may have similar instrumentation, this is not your father’s Modern Jazz Quartet. The Puppeteers’ credo is to draw nourishment from the roots while keeping their sound grounded in the present. Although Puppet’s Jazz, a much-remembered Brooklyn club, has ended its six-year-old existence in May 2011, its legacy has seen the birth of a solid jazz quartet and a promising record label. The Puppeteers brings together Jaime Affoumado (the drummer), pianist Arturo O’Farrill (the pianist), Alex Blake (the vibraphonist) and Bill Ware (the vibraphonist). These respected veterans musicians logged more hours together than they can recall on the small bandstand at the former club. The foursome, now known as the Puppeteers have gathered their musical and compositional talents to create a project that is both cohesive from old friendships but also full of excitement for renewed commitment. Each member of the Puppeteers is a musician with a rich history. Bill Ware was an original member the jazz-oriented Downtown band The JazzPassengers. He also co-founded The Groove Collective, and toured with Steely Dan on the 1993-1995 Alive in America tour. Alex Blake plays both electric and acoustic bass on the album. He is long associated with Randy Weston and has performed with many artists such as Sun Ra, The Manhattan Transfer and Stan Getz. Arturo O’Farrill is the leader of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. He has also worked with many important musicians such as Wynton Marsalis Carla Bley, Harry Belafonte, and Dizzy Gillespie. Jaime Affoumado played with Jaco Pastorious and Arthur Blythe. He also served as the house drummer at Puppet’s Jazz and provided the groove for the many musicians who graced the club’s soaring stage. from http://www.birdlandjazz.com