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"

“Convergence – Reckless Meter: Six Masters of Modern Jazz Playing as One”

 

This month's review is on a new CD released by the modern jazz ensemble Convergence, and it's a winner! Convergence has been entertaining jazz fans in Colorado for more than 30 years. If you’ve never heard this band play before, you are in for a real treat.

This band features six very seasoned, highly professional musicians who, in addition to being top-level players, are also outstanding jazz composers. They write modern jazz songs that are beautiful and easily accessible even to the novice jazz listener. There is a strong sense of melody and structure in their writing, but plenty of room for creative exploration and improvisation.

My first impression when I played the songs on this CD was that this group of six musicians performs like they are all from the same family. The musical communication between them is effortless. Even though Convergence takes a fearless approach to improvisation, they remain tightly connected in the music they create. That level of cohesion only comes from years of playing together and trusting one another musically.

Pianist Eric Gunnison sums up the spirit of the group perfectly: "This band has always been about connection, with each other, with the audience, and with the music itself. Convergence is more than a name; it's how we approach everything we do musically."

And you can hear that connection throughout "Reckless Meter". The band blends sophisticated writing with energetic solo work and the kind of ensemble precision that only comes from decades of shared experience.

I have attached two cuts from "Reckless Meter". The first song, “Big Boot,” is also the opening track on the album. It's upbeat, with sassy horns and killer solos. The rhythm section locks in immediately, while the horn section delivers the melody with punch and personality. It's the perfect introduction to get to know this outstanding band.

The second song I picked is the final track on the playlist and the title tune, “Reckless Meter.” This piece combines everything that is musically cool about Convergence into a single performance. The arrangement moves through shifting rhythmic ideas while the band maintains that tight ensemble sound that defines their music. It's a strong closing statement and leaves you wanting to go back and hear the entire album again.

For listeners who enjoy modern jazz that balances creativity with strong melodic ideas and masterful musicianship, "Reckless Meter" is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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Playlist

1. Big Boot – 6:19

2. Springaling – 8:00

3. Margaret Clara – 6:17

4. It’s One Or Not One – 6:14

5. Master Jake – 6:38

6. Cauldron – 10:59

7. Coyote Moon – 6:48

8. Reckless Meter – 9:21

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Personnel

• Eric Gunnison – piano

• Greg Gisbert – trumpet, flugelhorn

• John Gunther – saxophones

• Mark Patterson – trombone

• Mark Simon – bass

• Paul Romaine – drums

                                                                            "Big Boot"

                                                                    "Reckless Meter"

CD Review:

 

Guitarist and composer Jose Guzman and The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective have recently released their new CD, "Cortadito". This recording reflects Guzman’s rich musical heritage, combining the rhythms of Puerto Rico with the flavor and sophistication of modern jazz. The result is a vibrant and engaging album that highlights both the depth of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions and the creativity of contemporary jazz musicians.

If you are new to Afro-Caribbean jazz, this CD will serve you well as a primer on the subject. The rhythms are infectious and the arrangements are loaded with beautiful percussion and strong horn writing that immediately grab the listener’s attention. From the first track, it becomes clear that rhythm is the engine driving this music, and the band locks into grooves that are both exciting and musically sophisticated.

Guzman proves himself to be a versatile guitarist and composer throughout the album. I was particularly captured by the way he combines memorable melodies with Afro-Caribbean rhythmic structures, blending them seamlessly into a sound that feels both traditional and fresh. His guitar work sits comfortably within the ensemble, guiding the music while still allowing plenty of room for the horns and percussion to shine.

Another strength of "Cortadito" is the outstanding group of musicians Guzman has assembled. The supporting performers on this project are highly skilled professionals who understand this music deeply. The horn section delivers energetic and expressive solos while the percussion team creates a powerful rhythmic foundation that keeps the music moving forward with energy and color.

This CD also helps explain why Afro-Caribbean jazz has been gaining popularity with serious contemporary jazz fans in recent years. The combination of driving rhythms, strong melodies, and improvisational freedom creates music that is both intellectually satisfying and simply fun to listen to.

Everything about this recording has been done well—from the compositions and arrangements to the performances and production. It is a polished and highly enjoyable project.

You should definitely consider adding "Cortadito" to your jazz collection. I am sure you will find yourself playing it often. While I am by no means an expert in Afro-Caribbean jazz, I do know beautiful music when I hear it, and every song on this album is a winner.  I have attached two songs both written by Jose Guzman for your listening pleasure.  The first is "A Sunday Kind Of Day" played as a slow cha-cha..  The second song is "Orchard Downs" is an up-tempo tune that is named after the apartment complex that Guzman lived in during his time in Puerto Rico.

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Playlist

1. Orchard Downs

2. Holande Pa Uste

3. A Sunday Kind of Day

4. El Reloj

5. Witches Dance

6. Terminal 5

7. El Volcan

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Personnel

• Jose Guzman – guitar, compositions

• Victor Garcia – trumpet

• Brian Stark – tenor saxophone

• Ben Carrasquillo – trombone

• Andrey Goncalvez – bass

Percussion

• Javier Quintana – congas, barril

• Victor Gonzalez – bongos, bell

• Michael Rodriguez – timbales

• Jose Natal – barril

Additional Musicians

• Enrique Chavez – auxiliary percussion (on “Witches Dance”)

• Connor Frederick – trombone (on “Witches Dance”

                                                                    "A Sunday Kind Of Day"

                                                                         "Orchard Downs"

CD Review: James Judson, "Songs Of My Dreams"

Jazz Vocalist and Composer, James Judson has released his debut Jazz album, "Songs Of My Dreams".  James has a very interesting musical life story to tell about his involvement with music. He grew up in a large coal mining family in Boulder, Colorado surrounded by music.  His cousin taught him to sing when he was four and at five years old he made his first public appearance when Frankie Yankovic, aka the "Polka King" came to town and invited Judson on stage to sing.  His first public performance made a lasting impression on him and he started learning how to play drums and guitar.  By the time he was 13, James was working in a rock band as lead vocalist and drummer.  Later in high school, he joined a band playing weddings and state fairs and started developing his songwriting skills.  It looked like his music career would continue to be a huge part of his adult life, however,  he reached a point in his mid-thirties when he had to decide to continue with his struggling music career or focus on raising a family and demands of his construction business.  With 6 kids in his family, he knew he had to put his full energies into his business and he put his guitar and musical talents aside.  While his performing completely stopped, his love for music never died. 

In 2019, Judson was in Los Angeles to help with a construction project his daughter was working on when she introduced him to Don Taicher, a local singer, songwriter and rapper and the two became close friends.  This friendship reignited Judson's deeply buried musical desire and he wound up buying a guitar in LA and when he went back home he started playing again and working on his singing.

"Songs Of My Dreams" contains 13 songs consisting of 11 original songs and two standards.  It's interesting that after all the exposure Judson had to various types of music including rock that his writing style fits perfectly into the age of the crooners and the big bands they sang with.    His compositions have  wonderful melodies and lyrics that would fit Sinatra or Bennett perfectly.  Judson gathered a world-class group of musicians to join him on this CD and  created a CD that is a joyful trip back to the the sounds of the big bands of the forties and fifties and the crooners who sang with them.

I have attached two songs from "Songs Of My Dreams".  The first is a Judson original,  "Is There A Chance" that really swings and is one of my favorites.   The second is the classic, "The Shadow Of Your Smile".  I salute James Judson for having the strength and desire to rekindle his musical fire and sharing his beautiful songs with us!

PLAYLIST: 

1. Is There A Chance

2. The Shadow of Your Smile

3. Stars Past The Milky Way 

4. All Of Me

5. My Imagination

6. Can't Put A Price On Love

7. Kiss Me

8. The Winderful Night Before

9. Eternal Love

10. Holding On

11. Candlelight or Roses

12. Walking A Sidewalk

13. On And On

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PLAYERS:

James Judson – Vocals, Guitar, Compositions

Gary Matsumoto- Piano Max Haymer- Hammond B3, Fender

Tim Sonnefeld- Rhodes

Mike Gurrola, Dan Lutz, Charles Glenn-  Bass

Leddie Garcia- Percussion

Michael Campagna, Aaron Janik,Dan Fornero, Dave Richards, Mike Cordone- Trumpet

Bob Sheppard, Anton Sushev- Alto Sax

Bob Reynolds, Doug Webb- Tenor Sax

Jason Fabus- Baritone Sax

Erik Hughes, Ryan Dragon, Joshua Brown, Todd Eames- Trombone

Eliza James, Olga Ivanenko,Laurann Woods, Lily Honigberg-  Violin

Jennifer Wu, Troy Everett- Viola

Jean-Paul Barjon, Judy Kang- Cellos

                                                                    "Is There A Chance"

                                                            "The Shadow Of Your Smile"

  

CD Review: Mark Sherman, "Bop Contest"

Today’s review is on a CD that I somehow missed a couple of months ago. Since this new release from Mark Sherman came out in early October of 2025, I normally would have just moved on to the more recent recordings. But this CD is so good that it simply wouldn’t let me pass it by.

Mark Sherman is a multi-talented musician and a noted jazz pianist. But he is also a world-class vibraphonist, performing with the likes of Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Larry Coryell, and collaborating with Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, and Joe Lovano, among many other greats. I don’t remember doing a review led by a vibraphonist before, but now I can proudly do a review on one of the very best.

Sherman put together a powerful group of musicians to support him on "Bop Contest." First, you really have to be “best in class” on your instrument to get a jazz giant like Ron Carter to join your group. That alone tells you something. Next to join was pianist Donald Vega, who has long been one of Sherman’s favorites. The rhythm section was completed with the addition of drummer Carl Allen. Allen and Carter have worked together multiple times over the years, and their chemistry is undeniable. Rounding out the quintet is the brilliant horn player and close friend of Sherman’s, Joe Magnarelli.

I have attached two YouTube videos that clearly indicate the amazing musical talents of these five players. If you are a straight-ahead jazz lover, this recording is essential listening. The first one, an Oliver Nelson composition is delivered in true up-tempo bop fashion — tight, energetic, and executed with breathtaking precision. The interplay between Sherman and Magnarelli is especially strong, trading ideas with both fire and finesse. And then comes Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark”. This version is so beautiful and so tastefully performed that you will replay it for years. Sherman’s touch on the vibes is warm and lyrical, floating effortlessly above a masterful rhythm section.

Playlist 

1. 111-44

2. Love Always Always Love

3. Bremond's Blues

4. My One and Only Love

5. Bop Contest

6. Martha's Prize

7. Skylark

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Personnel

• Mark Sherman – Vibraphone

• Joe Magnarelli – Trumpet

• Donald Vega – Piano

• Ron Carter – Bass

• Carl Allen – Drums

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                                                                              111-44

                                                                               Skylark

                                                        

CD Review: The Scott Silbert Quartet, "Dream Dancing"

The Scott Silbert Quartet has recently released a new CD, "Dream Dancing" that is a tribute to celebrate the 100th birthday of Zoot Sims. Zoot Sims led the way forward for American Jazz for many decades. There were no gimmicks or tricks involved with Zoot Sims’ style. His approach was effortless swing with a big, warm tenor sound. Even today — 100 years after his birth — he is still considered one of the tenor sax giants of Jazz. Silbert writes in the album notes, “Zoot always brought an air of fun, humor and warmth to his small group recordings, always melodic and always swinging, without any pretense. Zoot’s style didn’t change over the years — it matured beautifully.”

Scott Silbert has put together a wonderful playlist of classic songs for this tribute album that includes several beloved standards, and it also showcases an original Silbert composition, “Blues for Louise,” which he wrote for Louise Sims. If you are a long-time fan of Zoot Sims or just discovering him now, this album is sure to please!

The players in the Scott Silbert Quartet are perfect to project the style and spirit of Zoot Sims. Leading the charge is Scott Silbert himself, playing with warm, smooth tones that feels almost effortless. The rhythm section — Amy Shook on bass and Chuck Redd on drums — performs beautifully, swinging when necessary without ever overpowering the music. The final member of the Quartet, pianist Robert Redd, pulls the entire group together with his sensitive phrasing and subtle harmonic support.

“Dream Dancing” from the Scott Silbert Quartet is a wonderful addition to any jazz lover’s collection — a thoughtful, heartfelt tribute that both honors Zoot Sims’ legacy and stands proudly on its own artistic merits.

 Playlist

1. Dream Dancing – 07:19

2. Louisiana – 05:16

3. It’s That Ole Devil Called Love – 05:51

4. Deep In A Dream – 06:35

5. All Too Soon – 05:39

6. You Go To My Head – 05:50

7. Blues for Louise – 03:40

8. Someday Sweetheart – 04:17

9. Low Life – 07:10

10. Round My Old Deserted Farm – 05:20

11. Shadow Waltz – 05:33

12. Ballad For Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus Eaters – 06:22

13. Wee Dot – 04:35

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 Players 

• Scott Silbert – tenor & soprano saxophones

• Amy Shook – acoustic bass

• Robert Redd – piano

• Chuck Redd – drums

I have attached two cuts from "Dream Dancing".  The first is the title tune, "Dream Dancing" written by Cole Porter and the second is a hard swinging composition written by J.J. Johnson, "Wee Dot" that you will love!

                                                                      "Dream Dancing"

   

                                                                            "Wee Dot"

CD Review: "Ted Rosenthal Trio, "Classics Reimagined: Impromp2"

 

All jazz lovers owe it to themselves to know the remarkable pianist and composer Ted Rosenthal. For decades, Rosenthal and his gifted jazz trio have been producing some of the most compelling jazz recordings of our time. With Classics Reimagined: Impromp2, Rosenthal delivers his 18th release as a leader, a follow-up to his acclaimed 2010 album Impromptu that deepened his exploration of jazz through classical themes. 

What Rosenthal achieves on Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is nothing short of magical. He shines a spotlight on beloved classical melodies, completely reimagining them through his jazz sensibilities. Every track on this release is a musical gift to the jazz world — expressive, inventive, and deeply felt. I have often said that the line between classical and jazz is very thin, and after listening to Rosenthal’s vivid musical imagination, he provides ample proof of this idea.

As Rosenthal himself explains:

“I have often heard classical themes as being ripe for jazz treatments. Setting these melodies with embellished jazz harmonies comes naturally to me. Finding a satisfying form for improvisation and rhythmic groove that makes the whole treatment work without sounding forced or contrived is key.” 

And Rosenthal lives up to this ideal on every track. What could be rigid or academic becomes sumptuous, spontaneous, and exciting.

 The Players

• Ted Rosenthal — piano (leader, arranger, improviser)

• Noriko Ueda — bass (anchoring harmony and rhythmic drive)

• Quincy Davis — drums (responsive, swinging, intuitive)

Adding further color to this project are two jazz luminaries:

• Sara Caswell — violin (featured on several tracks with profound lyricism)

• Ken Peplowski — clarinet (whose warm, expressive tone deepens the reinterpretations) 

The chemistry among these players is palpable throughout the album. Ueda and Davis provide a foundation so secure that Rosenthal’s flights of fancy feel effortless, while Caswell and Peplowski bring emotional depth and tonal contrast that elevate several pieces to new heights.

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Playlist 

     1. Waltz in C-Sharp Minor 

     2. Slavonic Dance 

      3. Mazurka In A Minor

      4. The Old Castle (feat. Ken Peplowski)

      5. Vocalise (feat. Sara Caswell)

      6. Allegretto from Symphony No. 3

      7. “Pathetique” Sonata, 2nd Movement

      8. “Pathetique” Sonata, 3rd Movement

      9. Salut d’Amour (feat. Sara Caswell)

     10. Je Te Veux (feat. Sara Caswell)

     11. Waltz in A-Flat Major (feat. Ken Peplowski)

For anyone who loves jazz piano,  or just craves bold musical conversation, Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is an essential listen — and a rewarding experience from start to finish.

I have attached two songs from this CD, the first is a Chopin composition, "Waltz In C-Sharp Minor" and the second is  a Dvorak composition "Slavonic Dance".  I know you will enjoy these tracks and encourage you to pick up this CD and make it part of your Jazz collection. 

                                                                "Waltz In C-Sharp Minor"

                                                                                F. Chopin

                                                                      "Slavonic Dance"
                                                                            A. Dvorak