This CD is a real gem. Percussionist
Giovanni Hidalgo leads a septet/octet that includes flutist
Dave Valentin, trumpeter
Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist
Craig Handy,
Hilton Ruiz or Eric Figueroa on piano, bassist
Eddie Rivera, and drummer
Ignacio Berroa, plus Mario Rivera on various reeds. The arrangements of
Ruiz, Figueroa, and
Marty Sheller are quite colorful, revitalizing such numbers as "It Don't Mean a Thing,"
Sonny Clark's "Blue Minor," "Canadian Sunset," "Summertime," and "Seven Steps to Heaven." The consistently rewarding solos and surprising arrangements make this set highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow