Search - Hilton Ruiz :: Hands on Percussion

Refined latin jazz..

05/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hilton Ruiz manages to incorporate a dominant Latin influence into some stunning jazz pieces. Highlights include solo segments by Tito Puente, and a broad sweep through jazz standards, including a nostalgic performance of 'Round Midnight' and 'Ornithology.' Surely this is one of the gems in my latin jazz collection."

Ruiz successfully combines Latin sounds with jazz

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 06/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hilton Ruiz puts a Latin spin on trademark tunes of four jazz icons; Duke's "Cottontail", Bird's "Ornithology", Monk's "'Round Midnight", and Trane's "Like Sonny". Combining the infectious rhythms of Latin music with the harmonic sophistication of jazz chord changes and melodies results in danceable music that doesn't sacrifice listening interest. Tito Puente (playing vibes or timbales on three songs), flutist Dave Valentin, tenor saxophonist David Sanchez, trumpeter Charlie Sepulveda, trombonist Papo Vasquez, bassist Andy Gonzalez and three notable percussionists (Giovanni Hidalgo, Ignacio Berroa and Steve Berrios) assist him in this endeavor. The group also performs Puente's "Mambo for Vibes" and four other tunes, mostly Ruiz originals, including one dedicated to Bill Cosby, "Blues for Cos", and one to Eddie Palmieri, "Salute to Eddie". This type of crossover should satisfy adventurous Latin music fans as well as jazz fans who are receptive to Latin grooves."