Hedman’s Conga Anchors Styles of Tropique

Given the Southland’s growing affection for Latin music of every imaginable style, it’s a bit hard to understand why the turnout was so sparse Tuesday for the opening-night set at the Jazz Bakery by Norman Hedman and Tropique.

Part of the problem may have been the reaction that many people had when the appearance was first announced. “Who,” they asked, “is Norman Hedman?”

Well, if you’ve heard the Main Ingredient’s “Everybody Plays the Fool” or New Birth’s “I Can Understand It,” you’ve heard Hedman. And there’s a good chance that you’ve heard him in live performances or on recordings with Arturo Sandoval, the New Kids on the Block, Gary Bartz and Luther Vandross. Hedman, in short, is a first-call conguero and, since the late ‘80s, an in-demand producer.

Both those skills were front and center in the performance of his seven-piece Tropique band. Concentrating on material drawn from his two Arabesque recordings, “Healing Hands” and the recently released “One Step Closer,” Hedman’s ensemble dipped through a variety of styles, accurately reflecting his desire to touch the many musical sources that have influenced his growth. (Born in Jamaica, he has explored everything from jazz and soul music to the percussion of Senegal and West Africa.)

At its best, the material simmered with the easygoing melodies and foot-tapping rhythms associated with the feel-good tropical music of Cal Tjader and Mongo Santamaria.

Hedman’s conga playing was the main attraction, enlivened by his capacity to create a strikingly colorful array of textures and pitches from his clustered drums. His flowing rhythms were countered by the high-voltage timbales of Willie Martinez and the floating bass lines of Ron Monroe.

Tropique also included a strong lineup of jazz soloists: Roger Byam’s Cannonball Adderley-tinged alto saxophone choruses; Craig Rivers’ flute playing; A.J. Mantas’ swinging vibes work; and the powerful piano of Misha Tsiganov.

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* Norman Hedman and Tropique at the Jazz Bakery through Sunday, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City, (310) 271-9039. $22 admission tonight and Saturday at 8 and 9:30 p.m., and Sunday at 7 and 8:30 p.m.