Featured Artist: Chris Washburne and the Syotos Band

CD Title: Nuyorican Nights
Year: 1999
Record Label: Jazzheads
Review: Chris Washburne and the Syotos Band are some of the best musicians playing Latin jazz on the New York scene. For those who didn't make it down to Puerto Rico this season, pick up NUYORICAN NIGHTS and you'll know the feeling when it hits you!! The group's debut features compositions and arrangements by the inimitable Clare Fisher and by group members Harve Swartz, John Walsh, the wonderful Ole Mathisen, and the great trombonist Chris Washburne. Internationally renown trumpeter, Ray Vega, pianist Barry Olsen, drummer Vince Cherico, percussionists Wilson "Chembo" Corniel and Bobby Sanabria round out the aggregation with superb playing honed during their weekly gigs at the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe in New York City. Even though each musician has their own distinctive sound, they share a common denominator, their love of Latin jazz. This feeling comes across to the listener especially on the title track "Nuyorican Nights," which reproduces some great rhythms and is a prime vehicle for Chris' art on the trombone. "Spurier's Dream," and "Shades of Grey," are particularly tight with great rhythm tracks. In the words of New York Times writer, Peter Watrous, "Chris Washbourne is one of the best trombonists in Salsa." With his Syotos Band, he is even better!!

Rating: *****

Reviewed by: Paula Edelstein

Featured Artist: Gerry Mulligan

CD Title: Re-Birth of the Cool
Year: 1992
Record Label: GRP Records
Review: Visiting in a Borders store, I came across the following remarkable cd by Gerry Mulligan and purchased it for the home cd library! The personnel include Wallace Roney on trumpet, Phil Woods on alto saxophone, John Lewis on piano, John Clark on French horn, Dave Bargeron on trombone, Bill Barber on tuba, Dean Johnson on bass, Ron Vincent on drums, Mel Torme with his vocal on "Darn That Dream," and of course, Jerry Mulligan on baritone saxophone. A great group of musicians creating some really nice, mellow music. 12 selections, each one a showcase for Mulligan, and the piano magic of John Lewis shines through on each performance! Mulligan's compositions "Jeru," "Rocker," and "Venus De Milo" are here, and for those who like Mulligan, "Jeru" is a classic of Mulligan composition and technique. Miles Davis' composition, "Deception," and John Lewis' composition, "Rouge" are also on this cd. For an interesting session of jazz, this is an enjoyable experience with Gerry Mulligan! And for those who like the piano of John Lewis, too!

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

Featured Artist: Andre Bush

CD Title: Invisible City
Year: 1999
Record Label: Quicksilver
Review: Avante-Garde and Post-Bop artist, Andre Bush has loosened the conventional knots and vents his imagination once more on his second release INVISIBLE CITY, and in my opinion, one of the best CDs of the year. Lining up new rhythmical forms within his musical game plan, the exciting guitarist provides many structural contrasts for the horizons shaped on his 1996 debut DARWIN'S LIVING ROOM. Seven compositions provide vast arenas for the individual improvisations of pianist Jeff Chimenti, bassist Derek Jones, soprano sax man David Liebman, tenor saxman Michael Zilber, drummer Steve Smith, Paul Hanson's bassoon, Jack Perla's piano and Alan Hall on drums. The intimate "Soul Mates," written by Andre is quality without compromise and shines Bush's guitar brilliance. The title track, is a perfect vehicle for Jack Perla's great piano solo and provides the nucleus nuance on the CD. Andre Bush is free of conventions on "The Soundkeepers Fortress," providing excellent acoustic and electric guitar lines for Hanson's sax. There is so much potential here that one can expect to hear many special dreams become reality. To find out more about Andre, check out his website at: www.andrebush.com

Rating: *****