Michel Camilo
Spirit of the Moment
Telarc

So what do you do after putting out a solo disc, followed by a full orchestral recording of "Rhapsody in Blue"? Pianist Michel Camilo splits the difference and puts out a hard hitting trio release with "Spirit of the Moment." With long time drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez departing, Dafnis Prieto had large zapatos to fill, yet does so admirably. He works with bassist Charles Flores to put together an air tight trio on torrid Latinized pieces like "Giant Steps" and delicate ballads such as ""My Secret Place." Camilo and company also take Shorter's "Nefertiti" and his own "Repercussions" to their emotional limits, leaving the listener gasping for oxygen. "Just Now" finds the band creating a balmy Caribbean mood, while "Nardis" and "Solar" give a Latinized tribute to Miles Davis. This is an energized working trio, performed with an intensity that only Camilo is capable of producing.


-George W. Harris