Ray Mantilla's Space Station in 1986 consisted of the leader/percussionist,
Dick Oatts on reeds and flute, pianist Eddie Martinez, bassist Guillermo Edgehill, and Steve Berrios on drums and percussion. On
Synergy, they are joined by the fiery tenor saxophonist
Steve Grossman on three of the seven selections, while "Paisaje" features the haunting voice of Vivien Ara Martinez (who wrote the song). Group originals are performed along with "Star Eyes" and
Thelonious Monk's "Eronel." The music is quite creative within the genre of Afro-Cuban jazz, with plenty of stirring percussion, colorful solos, and a joyous group sound. ~ Scott Yanow