GINO AMATO, Latin Crossroads 2

After a prolific career composing for big bands, Latin and ensembles and popular artists,  playing a key role with Puerto Rico salsa band La Sonora Pancena and forming the Steely Dan tribute band Royal Scam, veteran pianist and arranger Gino Amato put his expansive talents to use as a bandleader, arranger and co-producer (with fellow pianist Oscar Hernandez) on Latin Crossroads – an epic, uber ambitious album re-imagining and Afro-Cubanizing pop and Songbook standards leading a large ensemble with special all-star guests.

Exactly a year later, Amato kept the freewheeling fiesta going with Latin Crossroads 2, working his intricate, sensual and fiery magic with another slate of beloved tunes, ranging from a whimsical jazz mambo romp through Paul Simon’s “Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard,” a snazzy silky soul “I Only Have Eyes For You” (featuring virtuosa vocalist Kandace Springs) and a breezy, flute and vocal chorus spiced “Tangerine” to the glorious, string caressed closing piece “Scheherazade” featuring Randy Brecker’s trumpet coolness.

As on the first volume, while Amato and Hernandez tackle their share of piano solos, the songs offer spotlights for both the ensemble and an exciting array of guest vocalists, including Springs, Janice Siegel, Arnold McCuller, Kings Return and Veronica Swift, who artfully fuses cultures with an improvised French call and response section as the Latin embers pop behind her. Like last time, Amato and company offer a whirlwind of jazzy, brassy creativity, excitement and innovation.