(Classical, Latin) CD

A live recording of the final concert of Piazzolla's New Tango Sex-Tet, recorded in Amerstdam, 1989. 7 numbers in all, including "Hora Cero", "Tanguedia", "Milonga Del Angel", "Camorra 3", "Preludio Y Fuga", "Sex-Tet" and "Luna". CD

An 80s classic from one of the hippest Latin jazz ensembles of its time – the wonderful Fort Apache band of trumpeter/percussionist Jerry Gonzalez! As with other albums from the group, the key strength here is Jerry's choice of compadres – a great lineup of jazzmen who understand both Latin rhythms and more open, expressive soloing – which really allows them to stretch way way past any sort of obvious cliches for their genre. Some of the tunes get quite modern at points – and players include John Stubblfield on tenor, Angel Papo Vasquez on trombone, Larry Willis on piano, Edgardo Miranda on guitar, and Steve Berrios, Nicky Marrero, and Milton Cardona on percussion. Titles include "Nefertiti", "Eighty One", "Siempre Junto A Ti", "Evidence", and "Jackie-ing". (Jazz, Latin) CD

Crack Latin from trombonist Papo Vazquez – one of the strongest sets we've ever heard from Cubop Records, a label that's always pretty darn great! Vazquez' vision here is quite strong – working with a big group to craft some tunes that are surprisingly lean while still managing to be deep and evocative. Papo's horn is at the lead – working in in a style that seems to stretch back to older work by Chico O'Farrill, but which also pushes on in a combination of Puerto Rican salsa and west coast Latin jazz. A really great set throughout – with titles that include "Stuffy Turkey", "Las Torres", "Mundo Bizarro", "Carnival In San Juan", "Vianda Con Bacalao", "Carlitos Coco", and "Snow Angel". CD

A fantastic late life album by the Argentine musical genius Astor Piazzolla – and a set that shows just how far he'd transformed the format of the tango along his musical path of the previous decades! The sound here is completely unique – with some elements of modern string quartet modes, avant jazz, and other styles – blended together with guitar, violin, piano, and bass next to Astor's completely sublime lines on bandoneon! The whole thing's a treasure, and if there's one record to hear by Piazzolla, this is it! Titles include "Tanguedia III", "Milonga Del Angel", "Concierto Para Quinteto", "Milonga Loca", and "Contrabajissimo". CD