Product Description:
Personnel: Michel Camilo (piano); Marc Johnson, Lincoln Goines (bass); Dave Weckl, Joel Rosenblatt (drums); Mongo Santamaria (congas).
Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, New York, New York on January 30 & 31 and February 1, 1988. Includes liner notes by Jeff Potter.
Michel Camilo's self-titled major label debut is one of the most impressive modern piano trio discs ever. Whether with Marc Johnson and Dave Weckl or Lincoln Goines and Joel Rosenblatt, Camilo's fiery blend of Latin rhythms and jazz sensitivity is at its height here. As a pianist, Camilo displays blistering speed, nimble solo lines and an endless dexterity--his deep passion and unbridled enthusiasm comes shining through every cut. The smoking "Suite Sandrine Part I" goes full-guns with Camilo, Johnson and Weckl locked in a furious torrent of twisting rhythms that never let up until the explosive ending.
Changing gears dramatically, the lush solo intro to "Nostalgia" gives way to a gentle ballad that Camilo executes with superb touch and emotion. Later, the barnburner "Crossroads" displays the pianist's expert bebop chops. The Caribbean funk of "Yarey" and Camilo's remarkable duet with conga master Mongo Santamaria on Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa" are both highlights. However, it is the Latin epic "Caribe," a colossal piece that has become one of Camilo's signature tunes, that is the topper, and the grand finale, to this powerful session.
