Bill O'Connell's seventh CD as a leader is full of catchy themes in a Jazz Latino (as opposed to Latin jazz) setting, according to liner note writer
Felipe Luciano. The pianist, who is well accompanied by flutist
Dave Valentin and Latin percussionist
Richie Flores, starts off with his intense, driving "Triple Play." Things cool with the hip, infectious "Flying By," with
Valentin's playful flute dancing over
O'Connell's soulful Latin groove. The pianist's "A Call for Sanity" has a wistful air with
Valentin switching to alto flute, while "Second Son" is a sauntering gem with its share of surprising twists.
O'Connell also engages each player in a duet.
Flores is his partner for a ridiculously fast romp through the standard "Just in Time," as the pianist tears into the piece with a well-disguised improvised introduction.
Valentin is on hand for the slow, rhapsodic treatment of
Mongo Santamaria's signature tune, "Afro Blue," though the familiar rhythm is omitted, opting instead to emphasize the melody in a more free-form manner. However one labels the style of jazz featured in
Triple Play, there's no doubt that this CD will stand the test of time. ~ Ken Dryden