Although often overlooked, pianist
Hilton Ruiz has been one of the top Latin jazz bandleaders (at least on record) of the 1980s and '90s. For this spirited affair,
Ruiz uses a nonet consisting of up-and-coming tenor saxophonist
David Sanchez, trumpeter
Charlie Sepulveda, the great trombonist
Steve Turre, bassist
Andy Gonzalez, drummer
Ignacio Berroa and three percussionists.
Tito Puente sits in on three of the nine numbers, two of them on vibes. The music is generally more bop-oriented than
Ruiz's earlier Novus releases, with highlights including his "Sonny's Mood," "Little Suede Shoes," "Maiden Voyage" and "Con Alma"; the latter is a duet by
Ruiz and
Sepulveda. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow