Gino Amato’s is a classically trained pianist who has worked with the Puerto Rican salsa band La Sonora Ponceña and pianist Papo Lucca, studied with Don Sebesky and Jim McNeely, formed the Steely Dan tribute group Royal Scam, and has written for big bands and Latin ensembles. On his debut for Ovation Records he has chosen songs which represent his own journey from Paul McCartney through Donald Fagen, Thelonius Monk and others all the way to Tchaikovsky. To achieve this he has used six lead singers, seven background singers and 60 musicians to create his vision and actually only plays on five of the eleven songs as this is all about the arrangements and vision.

It does feel very mainstream, and there is little in the way of fire and passion I like to hear from Latin music. Having spent countless hours at my daughter’s dance competitions it is a style of music I have heard a lot of, and this often feels somewhat sanitised and without the desire and driven need. That being said, although it often feels like it has come to us straight from the Seventies (“On The Street Where You Live” feels as if it is being performed on a show being hosted by The Carpenters or Donny & Marie Osmond), this is an album which may not always feel compelling, but is actually one which is very pleasant to listen to indeed. I can imagine this being played in an old people’s home and everyone happily nodding along, but although I am in my Sixties I generally want my Latin to have more oomph. “Tonight” may wake up after a rather slovenly start, but it still feels as if it is being performed on a theatre stage as opposed to a concert hall. The most interesting takes are the two at the end, with Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo & Juliet” being transformed while Fagen’s “Green Flower Street” is a delight. This may not be essential but is still an enjoyable play all the same.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.latincrossroads.com/
https://ovation-records.com/