Michel Camilo has excelled in every project he has conceived, ranging from solo piano, small groups, big band, and working with a symphony orchestra. For this session, he returns to a trio setting with the infectious Puerto Rican percussionist
Giovanni Hidalgo and bassist
Charles Flores. Opening the disc is "Yes," the pianist's reworking of the familiar "Indiana" chord changes, recast as a lively Latin jazz original. The brilliant improvised introduction is a sensational duo performance by the leader and the conga player, setting up their terrific flights as the theme is revealed, with
Flores providing an inventive undercurrent.
Camilo's recasting of
Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" keeps its funky edge with
Hidalgo's capable percussion providing a hip flavor.
John Coltrane's "Naima" is often played so seriously that no one seems to think of taking this lovely ballad in another direction.
Camilo initially stays the course, though bursts free as he works into his inventive improvisation, while
Hidalgo and
Flores are anything but sedate with their formidable accompaniment.
Camilo's interpretation of "Alfonsina y el Mar" is a moving performance of the Argentine ballad, with his shimmering piano conveying its emotion as
Hidalgo and
Flores provide a subtle background. There are several additional
Camilo pieces of note, especially the lush ballads "You and Me" and "About You," the latter an elegant solo piano performance that wraps this delightful CD. ~ Ken Dryden