Latin Crossroads
Ovation, 2024
8/10
The pianist and arranger Gino Amato is joined by many guests for these 11 Latinized versions of songs most of us are familiar with, and it makes for some very creative interpretations.
The lively energy of “Blackbird” starts the listen with Kevin Bryant’s animated trumpet and Amato’s soulful pipes guiding the rhythmic delivery, and “The Summer Knows” follows with Claudette Sierra’s powerful voice amid Amato’s intricate piano and Ruben Rodriguez’s playful bass.
In the middle, “Shower The People”, originally by James Taylor, welcomes Vince Cherico’s skilled drumming and David Mann’s bright alto sax prowess, while “Bad Things” allows for Robin McKelle’s radiant voice alongside Doug Beavers’ well timed trombone for the album’s best.
“Romeo And Juliet” and “Green Flower Street” exit the listen. The former uses Bobby Porcelli’s tenor sax and Luis Bonilla’s trombone to its advantage, and the latter is an animated finish that benefits from Kevin Osborne’s voice and Samuel Torres’ percussion.
The themes of Broadway Shows, the Beatles and the Great American Songbook are transformed into highly infectious Afro-Cuban jazz, and it’s a fantastic debut for Amato in the leader position.
Travels well with: Eric Person- Rhythm Edge; Matt Panayides Trio- With Eyes Closed