Hilario Durán - Habana Nocturna (1999)

This CD is a real gem. The great Afro-Cuban pianist Hilario Duran is joined by Jane Bunnett (on flute and soprano), trumpeter Larry Cramer, a string quartet, bassist Roberto Occhipinti, drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, and Rodolfo Valdes Terry on congs. In addition to the originals, it is particularly intriguing hearing such unlikely material as Billy Strayhorn's "U.M.M.G.," the beautiful "Autumn Nocturne," "Like Someone in Love," and "Harlem Nocturne" turned into stirring Latin music. The solos are consistently exciting and the ensembles are difficult to resist, making this Duran's strongest solo date yet. © Scott Yanow