For this recording by
Bob Mintzer's big band, the tenor saxophonist and his 17-piece ensemble perform ten numbers with an Afro-Cuban beat provided by percussionist
Louis Bauzo. Although
Mintzer's group does not really have its own distinctive musical personality, it is full of talented players. Best-known among the sidemen are tenor saxophonist
Bob Malach, altoist
Pete Yellin, trumpeter
Mike Mossman, trombonist
Dave Taylor and pianist
Phil Markowitz.
Mintzer and
Markowitz have the best spots and although
Mossman unfortunately does not get any solos, many of the lesser-known horn players are heard from. Other than "Oye Como Va" (which is given a fresh new arrangement) most of the pieces were newly-written. Overall this Afro-Cuban flavored effort serves as a strong change of pace for
Mintzer's orchestra.