Gino Amato Returns with Latin Crossroads 2: American Standards Reimagined Through the Fire of Latin Jazz

 

Pianist and arranger Gino Amato has released his second album in the "Latin Crossroads" style, “Latin Crossroads 2.” I reviewed the first "Latin Crossroads" album on February 1, 2025, and the response from my followers was excellent. It seems that listeners immediately connected with Amato’s concept of blending familiar American songs with the irresistible pulse of Latin rhythms.

Gino has an amazing talent for taking American standards—and even some well-known pop favorites—and infusing them with vibrant Latin grooves. To accomplish this transformation, Amato assembled an impressive 11-piece band, adding top vocalists and highly skilled instrumentalists. He then crafted some brilliant arrangements that give these beloved songs a completely new Latin identity.

"Latin Crossroads 2" is every bit as strong as the first Crossroads album. Once again, it exposes the listener to the wonderful rhythms and grooves that define Latin jazz. Amato creates a musical bridge for those who love American standards, allowing them to connect with the beauty, color, and rhythmic vitality of Latin music.

When Gino Amato prepares his arrangements, he is laser-focused on detail—rhythmic precision, harmonic color, and the quality of the musicians performing the music. He consistently brings in the best of the best, making the quality of the musical product his top priority. Over 38 musicians and vocalists contributed to this recording, and the result is a musical experience that can transport any jazz lover to a better place.

I have attached two songs from "Latin Crossroads 2".

The first is the Paul Simon classic “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard.” Amato transforms the tune into a joyful Jazz mambo that swings from the first note to the last. The vocals from Arnold McCuller and Matt Cusson bring an infectious energy to the arrangement, while the band locks into a tight Latin groove.

The second selection is one of my personal favorites and also a favorite of many jazz instrumentalists, “Tangerine.” This tune is most often performed as an instrumental, so it was quite refreshing to hear the lyric brought forward by the vocal ensemble in Amato’s arrangement. The treatment gives the song new life while maintaining the charm that has made it a jazz standard for decades.

With "Latin Crossroads 2", Gino Amato once again demonstrates that creative arranging and thoughtful musical direction can breathe new life into familiar songs. By blending classic American repertoire with the rhythmic sophistication of Latin jazz, Amato has produced an album that is both innovative and deeply enjoyable for jazz listeners.

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Playlist 

1. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul Simon) – feat. Arnold McCuller & Matt Cusson

2. I Only Have Eyes for You (Harry Warren / Al Dubin) – feat. Kandace Springs

3. When I Fall in Love (Victor Young / Edward Heyman) – feat. Kings Return

4. Moonlight in Vermont (Karl Suessdorf / John Blackburn) – feat. Kevin Osborne

5. Tangerine (Victor Schertzinger / Johnny Mercer)

6. No Moon at All (Redd Evans / Dave Mann) – feat. Janis Siegel

7. I Love Paris (Cole Porter) – feat. Veronica Swift

8. What a Wonderful World (Bob Thiele / George David Weiss) – feat. Arnold McCuller

9. Someone to Watch Over Me (George & Ira Gershwin) – feat. Janis Siegel

10. Windmills of Your Mind (Michel Legrand / Alan & Marilyn Bergman) – feat. Matt Cusson

11. Scheherazade (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)

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Musicians 

Piano
Gino Amato
Oscar Hernández

Bass
Ruben Rodriguez

Drums
Vince Cherico

Percussion
Samuel Torres

Trumpets
Manuel “Maneco” Ruiz
Chris Rogers

Trombone
Doug Beavers
Juanga Lakunza

Saxophones
Bobby Franceschini – Tenor Sax
Mitch Frohman – Baritone Sax

Flute
Itai Kriss

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Additional Musicians

Joe Locke – Vibraphone
Lou Marini – Tenor Sax
Aaron Heick – Alto Sax / Flute
Peter Reit – French Horn
Leonardo Suarez-Paz – Violin
Jonathan Weber – Violin
Alejandra Mahave – Viola
Danny Miller – Cello
Tuck Lee – Oboe
Alyssa Reit – Harp
Ira Siegel – Guitar

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Vocalists

Featured Vocalists
Arnold McCuller
Kandace Springs
Matt Cusson
Kevin Osborne
Veronica Swift
Janis Siegel

Background Vocalists
Aubrey Johnson – Soprano
Janis Siegel – Alto
Lauren Kinhan – Alto II
Kevin Osborne – Baritone

Kings Return:
Vaughn Faison – Tenor
J.E. McKissic – Tenor
Jamall Williams – Baritone

Gabe Kunda – Bass 

                                                     "Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard"

                                                                "Tangerine"