Between Brothers

Here's an exciting collection of Latin moods by trumpeter Raul Agraz, who brings together a small-big band as well as strings on this release. Agraz himself has a warm and bel canto sound to his horn, and he lets it ride like a long boarder over the percussive pieces such as the charging "Obsesion" and post bopping "FDB." The horn sections are punching back and forth like middleweights. With the sensuous strings, you get a romantic samba on "In A Sentimental Day" with Agraz glowing with Jon Werking's piano on the serenade "A Song For You." Paquito D'Rivera and Dave Samuels guest on the percussive yet luscious title track, and everyone drops out for a closing duet between Agraz and pianist Axel Laugart on the lovely aria "Concone #6." Passion in abundance here.