Latin Jazz Pianist Gino Amato Releases New Project “Latin Crossroads“
Pianist-arranger Gino Amato gathers together a large cast of jazz greats on Latin Crossroads to perform Latinized versions of a wide range of colorful material. Drawing themes from Broadway shows, the Beatles, the Great American Songbook, classical music, Steely Dan, and Thelonious Monk, Amato transforms the music into creative Afro-Cuban jazz.
The masterful arranger and pianist Gino Amato’s goal with Latin Crossroads, his debut for the Ovation label, was to present Latin music in an accessible format, and in a unique and fresh way. He chose 11 diverse pieces of music, wrote arrangements filled with infectious Latin rhythms and plenty of surprises, and utilized a constantly changing cast of brilliant musicians. The results are quite memorable and innovative.
Latin Crossroads begins with Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird” which is given a unique treatment that features singer Arnold McCuller, has spots for pianist (and co-producer) Oscar Hernandez, and short solos from flutist Andrea Brachfeld and trombonist Louis Bonilla. Michel Legrand’s “The Summer Knows” begins as a ballad but soon becomes a Latin jazz romp featuring Claudette Sierra’s powerful vocalizing. “On The Street Where You Live” (from My Fair Lady) has a relaxed vocal from Kevin Osborne and background singing by Janis Siegel, LaTanya Hall, and Laurel Mass…. Janis Siegel is in the spotlight on “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” which begins with a slow rendition of the verse before she swings with the Latin big band. James Taylor’s “Shower The People” is adeptly “Latinized” sporting concise solos from altoist Lou Marini, trombonist Bonilla, and vibraphonist Bryan Carrott, along with top-notch singing by Arnold McCuller.
Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Concerto for Aranjuez,” (immortalized by Miles Davis and Gil Evans on Sketches Of Spain), gives Amato his first piano solo. A sexy, sultry “Bad Things” spotlights singer Robin McKelle and vibraphonist Joe Locke’s unique talents, which precedes a noteworthy uptempo Latin version of Thelonious Monk’s “’Round Midnight” featuring pianist Hernandez and the late trumpeter Lew Soloff along with some spirited ensembles. Latin Crossroads concludes with West Side Story’s “Tonight” (featuring singer Margo Rey and the late flutist Dave Valentin), Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo And Juliet” (showcasing pianist Hector Martingnon), and Donald Fagen’s “Green Flower Street.” The latter, treated as a string quartet, has Kevin Osborne on lead vocal with background singing by Siegel, Hall, and Mass.
The wide repertoire of Latin Crossroads reflects Gino Amato’s career. Classically trained, he worked early on with the Puerto Rican salsa band La Sonora Ponce.a and pianist Papo Lucca, studied with Don Sebesky and Jim McNeely, formed the Steely Dan tribute group Royal Scam, and has written for big bands, Latin ensembles, and many popular artists. Throughout Latin Crossroads, Gino Amato’s recording debut as a leader, he shows that a creative arranger on his level can turn nearly any song, no matter its original source, into infectious and unforgettable Afro-Cuban music.
TRACK LISTING
1. Blackbird 5:19 (Paul McCartney)
2. The Summer Knows 3:49 (Michel Legrand)
3. On The Street Where You Live 4:30 (Lerner & Lowe)
4. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered 4:32 (Rodgers & Hart)
5. Shower The People 4:49 (James Taylor)
6. Aranjuez 5:16 (Joaqu.n Rodrigo)
7. Bad Things 4:09 (Jayce Everett)
8. ’Round Midnight 5:03 (Thelonious Monk)
9. Tonight 3:44 (Bernstein & Sondheim)
10. Romeo and Juliet 5:37 (Tchaikovsky)
11. Green Flower Street 4:02 (Donald Fagen)
latincrossroads.com
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