Duran, Hilario
Alma, 2023, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 29.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 79
O’s Notes: Cuban pianist Hilario Duran steps away from his dueling pianos outing to lead a large Latin ensemble. There is vibrant brass on the opener “Paca Por Juanito” wrapped with an electrifying guitar solo before Duran comes alive on “Mambo y Tumbao”. Vocalist Elizabeth Rodríguez sings a Latin infused version of “Cry Me A River” and adds superb work on violin! “Claudia” features Paquito D’Rivera on alto sax, then he plays clarinet on “Fantasia Impromptu”. Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez underpins the amazing brass energy on “Wild Blues” and then unleashes an explosive drum solo. These are just a few examples of the fine songs with solos coming from many talented musicians on this recording.
Publicist: D. L. Media
