Live at the Village Gate

Tito Puente's Golden Jazz All-Stars, featured on Live at the Village Gate, was an all-star nonet filled with loads of talent: Puente, trumpeter Claudio Roditi, altoist Paquito D'Rivera, flutist Dave Valentin, pianist Hilton Ruiz, bassist Andy Gonzalez, drummer Ignacio Berroa, and Giovanni Hidalgo and Mongo Santamaria on percussion. The music is primarily familiar standards (including "Afro Blue," a 12-and-a-half minute "Milestones," "Oye Como Va," and Valentin's flute feature on "I Loves You Porgy") with each of the impressive musicians getting their solo spots. This is a CD that is as good as it looks, living up to its potential! ~ Scott Yanow