Search - Arturo Sandoval :: Hot House

Definitely deserving of the Grammy it won!

JetTone12 | USA | 12/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arturo was spot-on with this album, and also made it appeal to the commercial public as well, because he is such an exciting player. Fans of Latin jazz be it if they're a fan of the style or not will really love this album. Arturo plays great, and has some amazing guests featured here as well. Most notably, one of my favorite tenor saxophonists, a former Maynard Ferguson bandmember, Chip McNeill! This guy plays amazingly well and definitely deserved a spot on this gem. "Funky Cha Cha" is the perfect opener, just comes right in blasting. Here Michael Brecker guests on tenor saxophone and plays some good stuff, and Arturo plays an exciting solo full of his usual bebop-flavored flurries. "Rhythm Of Our World" has a brilliantly played slow introduction from Arturo, and then segways into a faster pace. This song really swings and has a lot of soul. It pays tribute to all styles of Latino music! "Hot House" is a famous composition by Tadd Dameron and Arturo and company really bring it to life in this masterful take with some wonderful solos. The band is very tight as well. Arturo plays his own lead trumpet amazingly. "No Se Tu" is a tasty vocal feature for Patti Austin with great playing from Arturo as well. Patti really put a lot into this song, and it shows. Very romantic and sweet. "Sandunga" is a firey piece that really gives the opportunity for the soloists to rip it. The song is dedicated to all the girls who can really dance. "Tito" is a tribute to Rican music king Tito Puente, and Tito himself is featured on this song. Fans of Tito will really love this. Arturo did a great thing by making this song. "Closely Dancing" is a slower, more romantic song which really comes to life. Arturo plays it very passionately. My favorite track on the set is "Mam-Bop"! Most will probably agree. The tune is just insane. From Arturo screeching Double High D's throughout and trading with himself, taking it up an octave then back down then back up. However, my favorite part is the end, where they quote a bunch of bebop tunes, including "Salt Peanuts"! I also noticed "Straight, No Chaser" and "Good Bait" (which is also a composition by Tadd Dameron, co-written by Count Basie). The others were familiar but I could not think of them off the top of my head. "New Images" is a brilliant ballad with Arturo really showing off his control in the upper register, ending his emotional solo on an E over Double C. This song is a bit like "Closely Dancing", they are actually similar. "Cuban American Medley" is a great, fun tune. They play American songs such as "Going Back Home To Indiana", "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and "Little Lulu Theme" in a Latin setting. This medley is a lot of fun. The last piece, "Brassman's Holiday", is an entertaining feature for trumpet, and has a joyous, almost Christmas-like feel to it. This is a great album. It is great to know that this kind of music is finally getting the recognition it deserves."

HOT LATIN JAZZ WORTH 10 STARS **********

Papetti | Mexico City | 02/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own several Jazz and Latin Jazz albums and this one deserves to be in the top 5 in both categories; Arturo es simply FABULOSO, his style, performance, technique, everything is as great as it gets, he is a hyper-genius and shows it in every song; the highlights are Funky Cha Cha Cha, Rythm of our World (that tributes Latin and Brazilian Jazz concepts blended perfectly), No se tu (with a superb vocals by Patti Austin), Sandunga (perhaps the best cut in the album), and Mam-Bop. Do not let this gem pass you by, You will never regret adding this piece of art in your gallery."

His best work ever !!!

Happy in Chicago | 07/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is right on target. It's a great blend of jazz and Latin music. We're wearing out this CD!!!!!! If you only have one Arturo Sandoval album, make it this one."