Sabroso!

They Say...

Review by Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide

There may never be a setting as beautiful or a locale as ideal as a breathtaking ocean view complete with the sounds of beautiful Latin jazz floating over the ocean breeze. The fifth CD in the Colors of Latin Jazz series sets the scene for a collection of contemporary, smooth jazz peppered with Latin rhythms and percussion. This CD is a musical hybrid that's at once cool and smooth, yet hot and spicy! Up first is Jeff Linsky's beauty "Up Late," originally issued on Up Late by Concord Picante. His dynamic colors beckon the listener to "Come With Me," the second track sung and scatted by the inimitable Tania Maria on a cool samba just right for a hot day or night. Another smooth scorcher, "San Sabastian" by Ed Calle with special guest Arturo Sandoval is some of Sandoval's most melodic sax work bordered on all sides by the beauty of Spanish guitar, brass, and strings. The romance dance continues for six minutes and invites you to the captivating setting originally issued on Sunset Harbor. Manfredo Fest pays tribute to the smooth sounds of Brazil on "Agua De Beber" as Mongo Santamaria plays the all-time smooth tune "Smooth Operator" with a calypso beat surrounded by a bountiful bag of horns, bongos, and exciting percussion leading the flow of smooth jazz through your life. The nonstop beauty of the woodwinds float home on the wistful prevailing melodies from flutist Dave Valentin who is joined by tenor saxophonist Ed Calle. Along with Valentin, Calle is one of the most widely recorded Latin musicians in the U.S. Together they project a smooth contemporary style on "Embers" that crowns this collection with their sunny, upbeat sunshower that brilliantly portrays The Colors of Latin Jazz. Expect smooth beauty, romance, and peace on this enjoyable and exceptional display of rhythms handed down from the music angels of the south.