Café con Ritmo (Coffee with Rhythm), an engaging composition for young band, delves into the concepts of syncopation and Latin-style music. The piece commences with a straightforward harmonic motif played by the clarinets, while fragments of the main melody are dispersed throughout the opening section as brief solos performed by various brass instruments. Gradually, the music builds momentum by introducing additional instruments and rhythms, culminating in a powerful statement by the entire ensemble. Subsequently, the arrangement transitions to a more intimate setting featuring only one clarinet, one bass clarinet, and a vibraphone. In this section, the melody is further explored through solos in the woodwinds and brass, gradually intensifying until the band reaches a climactic moment accentuated by a typical Latin chord progression. The low brass and reeds establish an energetic bass motif, propelling the composition towards a dynamic and spirited conclusion.
