GINO AMATO

LATIN CROSSROADS 2

Ovation Records

Pianist, Gino Amato is an inventive arranger.  It’s Latin heritage month and on this project, Amato adds a Latin flavor to familiar standard American songbook treasures like, “When I Fall in Love” and “Moonlight in Vermont.” He mixes big band music with jazzy vocal harmonies, all pushed forward by the percussion brilliance of Samuel Torres and the trap drums of Vince Cherico. The drums set the Latin tone, with Amato’s arrangements presenting a wonderful package of rhythm and groove. This music makes me happy.  The Gino Amato vocal arrangements are also outstanding.

Gino opens this album with a tune called “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” written by Paul Simon. Amato’s piano and the Latin drumbeat offers the introductory rhythm that draws me into this tune. The voices of Arnold McCuller and Matt Cusson introduce Paul Simon’s catchy lyrics. Amato has turned this pop tune into a joyful jazz mambo. Sweet!

Gino Amato and Oscar Hernandez are both amazing arrangers and co-producers on this project. Together, they make magic music!

The vocalists on this project are outstanding session singers. Also noteworthy, are the super talented lead singers including the talented Kandice Springs (one of my favorite vocalists) who soulfully sings the old R&B hit record “I Only Have Eyes For You” arranged in a sweet, slow groove (all Latin).  She’s assisted by harmonious background voices, that sound like a string section! I love that Chris Rogers adds his spectacular muted trumpet solo.

“When I Fall in Love” is interpreted by an a ‘cappella group “Kings Return” (Vaughn Faison, J.E. McKissic, Jamall Williams, & Gabe Kunda).  When you have backing vocalists like Aubrey Johnson, Janis Siegel, Lauren Kinhan and Kevin Osborne along with featured vocalists like Arnold McCuller, Kandace Springs, Kevin Osborne, Veronica Swift and Matt Cusson, you can expect some magnificent jazz harmonies.

The familiar jazz tune, “Tangerine” features more vocal ensemble excellence, with a spectacular piano solo from Gino Amato.  On “No Moon At All,” co-producer Oscar Hernandez takes a brilliant piano solo. The tasty jazz vocals of Veronica Swift celebrate “I Love Paris.” Veronica is popular for singing a variety of musical genres, smoothly singing jazz, or singing rock music with power and punch.  What a Wonderful World” gets a very rare Latin treatment with vocalist Arnold Mcculler taking the lead, Joe Locke is spotlighted on vibraphone, and Leonardo Suarez Pax adds his violin talent to the mix.

Gino Amato has written arrangements for a host of big bands and Latin ensembles.  He released the first Latin Crossroads album in 2024, showcasing his colorful and exquisite arrangements that turned common day familiar songs into infectious afro-Cuban music.  He continues this exciting journey on Latin Crossroads 2.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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