The debut recording as a leader by
Jerry Gonzalez,
Ya Yo Me Cure features an early version of the trumpeter/Latin percussionist's
Fort Apache Band (although it had not been named at this point). The advanced Latin jazz set (which has been reissued on CD) features such notable sidemen as trombonist
Steve Turre, Mario Rivera on tenor, pianist
Hilton Ruiz, singer Frankie Rodriguez and several percussionists. In addition to three originals by Rodriguez, the hot ensemble Latinizes such unlikely tunes as "Caravan,"
Wayne Shorter's "Nefertiti,"
Thelonious Monk's "Evidence" and "The Lucy Theme." Frequently exciting music. ~ Scott Yanow