Although the great Latin bandleader
Tito Puente gets first billing and the Count Basie Orchestra "guests" on three of the ten selections, the obvious star of this set is singer
India. Her emotional delivery borders sometimes on going over the top, but
India is quite skilled as an interpreter of lyrics (both in English and in Spanish), as a scat and Latin jazz singer. She alternates standards with newer tunes and is assisted by such soloist as
Puente (on vibes, marimbas and timbales), pianist
Hilton Ruiz, altoist
Bobby Porcelli,
Mario Rivera on tenor and flutist
Dave Valentin. This CD is a fine effort with plenty of spirit and exciting moments. [The 2000 Universal reissue of
Jazzin' contains a bonus track.] ~ Scott Yanow