Paquito d'Rivera

This bold and innovative "third stream" project has the hand of producer and arranger Daniel Schnyder all over it. Paquito D'Rivera leads a fine rhythm section, to which he adds bass trombonist David Taylor and percussionist Mino Cinelu, plus the modern chamber group Absolute Ensemble, led by Kristjan Järva. The eclectic choice of tunes, from Ellington's "Caravan" to Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" to several original pieces by D'Rivera, is a plus. Combining jazz musicians with classically trained ones is risky business, and the most successful ventures, such as the Uri Caine Ensemble, find innovative ways to forge new constructs. If the instant recording is somewhat flawed in that it succumbs in part to popular notions of swinging the classics, there are still moments of remarkable ingenuity and creativity. The Gershwin pieces, in particular, sing passionately, and pianist Kenny Drew, Jr takes improvisational liberties that seamlessly weave into the songs. D'Rivera is a bit restrained, but tuneful and accessible. ~ Steven Loewy, All Music Guide