VARIOUS ARTISTS
Musica Romantica (Concord Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Musica Romantica is the newest member of the Concord series titled "The Colors Of Latin Jazz," wonderful compilations featuring discs on bebop, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Bossa Nove, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, and hot latin music. The songs on Musica Romantica are soft and romantic jazz featuring evocative and absorbing grooves and lively rhythms guaranteed to satisfy lovers of latin music.

The artists give their selections original and imaginative interpretations, generating considerable excitement in the process. Of the ten numbers on this disc, all are exceptional. However, my two personal favorites are the great classic "Darn That Dream" recorded by Poncho Sanchez and featuring a blisteringly hot vocal rendition by the great Diane Reeves, and "Last Kiss," written and performed by Gato Barbieri, who turns in one fiery solo after another.

If you love latin jazz, you'll love this cd. If you are new to the genre, this is a great place to begin your personal research. The music is accessible and highly satisfying. When the disc is finished playing, you'll find yourself wishing for more. My advice then is to go to your local music store and purchase the original recording. There's no such thing as having too much latin music in one's music collection.

Track List:

Sophisticated Lady (Tito Puente) * Besame Mucho (Cal Tjader and Carmen McRae) * Historia De Un Amor (Larry Vuckovich) * Dulce Amor (Poncho Sanchez) * Alone Together (Ray Vega) * Moon And Sand (Caribbean Jazz Project) * Darn That Dream (Poncho Sanchez) * Te Vas (Pete Escovedo) * Last Kiss (Gato Barbieri) * Tema Para Renee (Eddie Palmieri)

© 2004 - Ron Saranich