Jazz Latino, Vol. 1

by Michael G. NastosShowcasing the talents of premier Latin jazz pianists Eddie Palmieri and Hilton Ruiz, this sampler/compilation contains five tracks apiece from Palmieri's Arete and Ruiz's Hands on Percussion. Palmieri's quintet of tunes starts with the hot and spicy "Don't Stop the Train," which is followed by Ruiz's classic "Mambo for Vibes" (written by and featuring Tito Puente). Palmieri's Afro-Cuban swinger "Definitely In" leads into Ruiz's ballad "Round About Midnight" (also featuring Puente). Two hip numbers follow -- Palmieri's "Crew" and Ruiz's take on Duke Ellington's "Cotton Tail." Then come Palmieri's slow mambo "Oblique" and Ruiz's simmering "Salute to Eddie." Palmieri's final entry, "Sixes in Motion," features a lengthy percussion intro by conga player Richie Flores and mad bongo man Paoli Mejias. Ruiz ends the CD with "Blues for Cos," a neat cha-cha featuring the otherworldly flute work of Dave Valentin. If you already own Arete and Hands on Percussion, there's not much need for this. However, the music here is programmed so well that it makes for a fascinating introduction to these two masterful players and their contrasting styles.