Juan Pablo Torres - Trombone Man (1995)

01.Sweet Cherry Pie
02.From John to Johnny
03.For Elisa
04.Banana Split
05.Memories
06.Four & Come Fue
07.At Daybreak Listen
08.Samba for Carmen
09.Foot Tapping
10.Fiesta for Juan Pablo
11.Who's Smoking?!.

J.P. (Juan Pablo) Torres is one of the finest trombonists to come out of Cuba. On his debut for Tropijazz, he welcomes altoist Paquito D'Rivera to five of the 11 selections and pianist Hilton Ruiz to three; the two famous guests contribute three originals apiece. However Torres still dominates the music. The repertoire, which also includes four of Torres's compositions, alternates heated bop sambas with slower (but still danceable) ballads. The Cuban rhythms are infectious, the trombone solos (which are sometimes mellow and other times a bit frantic) are consistently colorful and Torres takes a pair of fine vocals (including some scatting on "Four & Como Fue") which mix together two similar songs. Highpoints include D'Rivera's "Samba for Carmen" and "Who's Smoking." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.

Paquito d'Rivera - Clarinet, Arranger, Sax (Alto), Producer, Liner Notes, Mixing, Music Coordinator, Music Contractor, Adjustments
Jon Fausty - Engineer, Mastering, Mixing
Brenda Feliciano - Vocals (bckgr)
Andy Gonzalez - Bass
Gabriel Machado - Percussion, Conga
Damaris Mercado - Art Direction
Ralph Mercado - Executive Producer
Jordy Rossi - Drums
Hilton Ruiz - Piano, Arranger
Oscar Sagnaro - Bass (Electric)
Pernell Saturnino - Percussion
Edward Simon - Piano
Oscar Stagnaro - Bass, Bass (Electric)
Juan Pablo Torres - Trombone, Arranger, Vocals, Liner Notes, Mixing, Musical Director, Adjustments
Diego Urcola - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Manuel Valera - Alto, Soprano, Trumpet, Flugelhorn .