Bobby Matos

Matos leads a vibrant Latin sextet featuring reed player Michael Turre who takes an impressive star turn, notably on soprano sax and flute. He also plays alto in “Jammin’ At The Crossroads Of The World” to open this live set and tenor in his other original “Blues Mambo for ‘Trane and Sphere.” Trombone player Steve Baxter adds essential weight to the ensembles and creates memorable solo statements in hot band performances like Horace Silver’s “The African Queen” and Turre’s “Blues Mambo.” The percussion team of Matos and conga player Robertito Melendez sustains the excitement in the dynamic build of Bobby Hutcherson’s “Highway One,” “Barbara Milagrosa,” “Bobby’s Theme” and the dramatic “Mambo Interlude” that showcases the leader’s prowess on timbales.