Jam Miami - A Celebration Of Latin Jazz

As if to remind anyone who's forgotten his roots, Chick Corea re-connects here with his past, when he was pianist for Willie Bobo and Cal Tjader in the 1960s, and a catalyst for Brazilian fusion in the 1970s. Playing a Fender Rhodes piano throughout this 10-song live session, Corea reminds one more of Latin jazz master Clare Fischer than the adventurous soloist who always keeps his music on the edge. With Arturo Sandoval on Mongo Santamaria's "Beseme Mama," Corea recalls his days with Return to Forever.

The disc opens with all the pots boiling on "Soul Sauce" and "A Night in Tunisia," two standards by Dizzy Gillespie, the godfather of Latin jazz. Corea, Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, and former Spyro Gyra vibes player David Samuels are all featured with fiery solos, with Sandoval trading high-flying riffs with fellow trumpeter Claudio Roditi on the latter tune. A tribute to Tito Puente, who was originally a part of this jam before falling ill, Jam Miami features two former members of his group, flutist Dave Valentin and trumpeter Ray Vega, as well as Escovedo, who, with Puente's death, may be the leading timbalero in Latin jazz. The theme from "I Love Lucy" and Corea's own "Wigwam," featuring members of his band Origin, are among the sparkling highlights of these long, solo-rich numbers. And smoke from the smoldering percussion riffs probably will linger in the South Florida night for ages. --Mark A. Ruffin