Daniel Villarreal’s Panamá 77

A beloved figure in the Chicago music scene, polymath percussionist Daniel Villarreal has showcased a remarkable malleability and work ethic over the course of his career, co-leading projects Dos Santos, Valebol, The Los Sundowns and Ida y Vuelta while also playing with Wild Belle and Rudy De Anda. Given his vast repertoire and experience in these ensembles, it is no surprise that his first solo offering features a mesmerizing myriad of instrumental folk-funk sounds and psychedelic jazz textures. The saxophone-moored invocation “Bella Vista” kicks off Panamá 77’s strong first leg, anchored by follow up jams “Ofelia” and “In/On.” The former, a tribute to the memory of Villarreal’s grandmother Ofelia De León, circulates with affirming energy, crescendoing into the dark and sputtering highlight “Uncanny.” The bright horn lines of the track intensify its dubby energy, anchored in the deep pocket of Villarreal’s drumming. The nocturnal “Activo” is a hypnotizing percussive display as well, conjuring a soothing stupor of pitter-pattering rhythms. Organs and synths steal the show in the LP’s closing stretch, particularly on the whimsical waltzing “Patria,” which evokes Panamanian legend Avelino Muñoz in its melody, and the Roy Ayers-esque “18th & Morgan,” an ode to the bustling street on which Villarreal works and resides. As much an homage to the sounds of Villarreal’s youth as his vibrant musical present, listeners will surely relish getting to know the musician better on this enthralling release.

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If you like Panamá 77, check out:

• City of Mirrors by Dos Santos

• Far In by Helado Negro

• Septet by John Carroll Kirby

• Home Again by Michael Kiwanuka

• Afrikan Culture by Shabaka