The second recording by this co-op group (which has three leaders in steel drummer
Andy Narell,
Dave Samuels on marimba and vibes and
Paquito D'Rivera tripling on alto, clarinet and soprano) crosses a lot of boundaries. Designed as a musical tour through Latin America, the music ranges from a tribute to
Cal Tjader and
Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango" to "Andalucia" (better known as "The Breeze and I") and "Bluellespie" (which fuses together parts of several
Dizzy Gillespie-associated songs). The blend between the vibes and steel drums is unique, the rhythm section (pianist
Dario Eskenazi, bassist
Oscar Stagnaro, drummer
Mark Walker and percussionist
Pernell Saturnino) is versatile and exciting, and
D'Rivera's soprano playing in particular is impressive. Easily recommended to all jazz listeners. ~ Scott Yanow