From Ann Arbor’s PKO records comes the second release from the popular Detroit-based Cuban jazz ensemble Tumbao Bravo. This music will make even the most reserved want to pull their car to the side of the road, get out, and start dancing. Right from the first track, the up-tempo Tres Gracias, this CD is burning with an unrelenting fire that matches the intensity of classic latin-jazz artists such as Eddie Palmieri and Poncho Sanchez.

Every one of the discs fifteen tracks are original compositions by band members. The rhythms cover the whole spectrum of latin-jazz grooves; from cha-cha-cha, mambo, rhumba, 6/8, and even a bossa-nova. Don’t let the liveliness and party atmosphere fool you though, there is some serious writing and playing going on here.

Pianist and composer Sven Anderson’s rather esoteric "John’s Big Shoes" is a tribute to John Coltrane and follows the harmonic outline of the late saxophonist’s landmark piece, "Giant Steps". Anderson’s other compositions, "Amigos", "EP", "Oneiros", and "Clavier and the Doctor" (a greasy, funky workout) really seem to bring out the best in the groups main soloists, Bob Mojica (trumpet), and Paul Vornhagen (saxaphones and flute). Highly Recommended