Mark Weinstein, Latin Jazz Underground

The idea of a "progressive" form of Latin Jazz has been with us for a while, yet less of it hits the light of day these days than some of us might wish. I for one am glad that Mark Weinstein's Latin Jazz Underground (Zoho 201403) has reached our ears, for it fully explores the progressive realm in its very own way.

On it we have some very hip tunes by pianist Aruan Ortiz (2), one by Weinstein, plus some less-played jazz standards by Sam Rivers, Andrew Hill, Ornette Coleman, and the evergreen "Nature Boy".

The quintet of Weinstein, Ortiz, plus Rashaan Carter on bass, Gerald Cleaver on drums and Roman Diaz on percussion makes sure everything is both advanced in the Latin and in the modern jazz zone. Weinstein plays the standard, the alto and the bass flutes with immediacy and finesse. Ortiz and his Latin-and-beyond pianism makes for a strongly effective welding of advanced and out. The rhythm section adeptly moves from Afro-Latin to free, swing and back with an ease and sureness that all but guarantees that this one hits its various targets invariably, with artistry.

Latin Jazz Underground is a winner in every way!