Israel Tanenbaum & the Latinbaum Jazz Ensemble: Impressions

If you are fond of happy music from south of the equator, longtime producer/arranger Israel Tanenbaum had you in mind when mapping out Impressions, his first recording as leader after years of helping others achieve their musical dreams. Performed by a first- class ensemble, Impressions spans the gamut of seductive Latin rhythms, from guaracha, salsa and cha cha to mambo, bolero and danzon, with Tanenbaum playing splendid piano on every number (by himself on the lustrous interlude, "Another Life").

To make certain all would be well, Tanenbaum enlisted several of his old friends (and superior musicians) from Puerto Rico, Venezuela and New York to illuminate his carefree compositions and arrangements. They include bassist John Benitez (and son Francis Benitez on drums), saxophonist Julio Flores, conguero Richie Flores, percussionist Roberto Quintero and drummer Tony Escapa, reinforced by trumpets (Jonathan Powell, Orlando Barrera, vibraphonists (Daniel Neville and Christos Rafalides) and flutes (Oriente Lopez, Andrea Brachfeld), plus trombones, congas, bongos, timbales and guiro.

The ensemble opens with the lively guaracha "Strange Destiny," which includes spirited solos by alto Flores and trombonist Edilberto Llevano and a wordless three-man vocal choir. The well-named salsa "Hot Bridge" (it is definitely hot) features maze-like interplay among the horns, Tanenbaum on piano and synth, and a sizzling solo by trombonist Angel Subero. Vibraphonist Neville and conguero Flores are out front on the emphatic cha cha "Prime Flight," which precedes Tanenbaum's "Another Life." A pair of enticing mambos, "Mambo Raro" and "Cuando Te Asomas" follow, the first showcasing Flores and the trombones, the second flutist Lopez, vibraphonist Neville, trumpeter Powell and the horn and rhythm sections.

"Prelude," inspired by Chopin's Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4, leads to the melodious bolero "Steamy Patricia" (dedicated to Tanenbaum's wife) with the leader soloing warmly on piano, and the persuasive finale, the vibrant danzon "Vaya," wherein Tanenbaum and tenor Felipe Lamoglia solo. It is a marvelous way to wind up a sharp and impressive album of dynamic Latin jazz. Tanenbaum should step out of the shadows more often.