Paquito D’Rivera: PanAmericana Suite [TrackList follows]- Paquito D’Rivera and his Panamericana Orchestra – MCG Jazz J1026 *****:
This latest work of clarinetist/saxist/composer D’Rivera won two Latin Grammy Awards, and was originally commissioned by Jazz at Lincoln Center for its premiere in 2000. In it the versatile composer/performer tries to embrace a musical vision that includes all the parts of the Americas, with a Caribbean rythmic base.
The 13-piece orchestra includes Andy Narell on steel drums, Dave Samuels on marimba and vibes and Argentine trumpeter Diego Urcola. “Preludio No. 3” brings in the bandoneon and a tango flavor, while “Tojo” was written in honor of the Cuban trombonist “El Tojo” Jimenez. “Fiddle Dreams,” with D’Rivera on his clarinet, flows between classical, swing, samba and baiao. The tango influence returns in the vocal by Puerto Rican soprano Brenda Feliciano, “Song for Peace.”
An altogether delightful album, with the Latin feeling kept less aggressive in the mix, making a perfect combination for my ears.
TrackList:
Waltz for Moe Con Alma Preludio No. 3 Tojo Panamericana Suite Fiddle Dreams Serenade Song for Peace—John Henry
