Michel Camilo: Solo (2005)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: February 1, 2005

Michel Camilo's last recording, Live at the Blue Note, won a Best Latin Jazz Grammy® in 2003. His followup is a solo offering that fairly surveys his various influences and interests, including Camilo's Latin-tinged, impressionistic original compositions; the music of Brazil, particularly that of Jobim; and the Great American Songbook.

This disc is reminiscent of McCoy Tyner's 1990s solo recordings. Michel Camilo has an expansive palette comparable to Tyner's with an infinitely more acute Latin sensibility. He readily combines his expertise in Brazilian and Caribbean music with the Great American Songbook, and both influences guide Camilo's own composition.

"A Dream" sounds almost like a Jobim guitar piece, as do "Luiza" and "Atras Da Porta." "Our Love is Here to Stay" has a gentle stride element crossed with Camilo's Caribbean accent. "'Round Midnight" is an up-tempo meditation based on virtuosic ability and deep intellect.

Aside from superb musicianship, Solo is outstanding because of the application of the Telarc Classical sonic standard to the jazz side. Camilo is recorded in a close and immediate manner so intimate you'll think the pianist is in your living room.

Track Listing: A Dream; Minha (All Mine); Our Love Is Here To Stay; Reflections; Luiza; 'Round Midnight; Atras Da Porta; Someone To Watch Over Me; Un Son; The Frim Fram Sauce; Corcovado (Quiet Nights); Suntan.

Personnel: Michel Camilo--Solo.

Record Label: Telarc Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream