Born from the curiosity of exploring Latin influences that are fundamental to pop, classical music and Jazz, pianist & master arranger Gino Amato presents Latin Crossroads, his debut release on Ovation Records.
Co-produced by 3x Grammy® Award winner Oscar Hernández, Latin Crossroads features a stunning array of musicians, including Randy Brecker, Will Lee, Joe Locke, and vocalist Janis Siegel. Experience an extraordinary album that will completely capture your imagination and revitalize your appreciation for American popular music.
LATIN CROSSROADS
Showcasing a remarkable assortment of popular songs and standards, Latin Crossroads' innovation flows from Amato's inquisitiveness and an extensive professional career navigating several musical idioms. Exquisitely reframed, familiar compositions by James Taylor, Donald Fagen, Tchaikovsky and Paul McCartney are rebom through the infectious swing of salsa and Latin Jazz.
Following his bliss, Amato hopes the album will "present Latin music in an accessible format so everyone can truly enjoy how unique and special it is!" Whether you crave being inspired by music or simply want to dance the night away, Latin Crossroads will transport you to the rare intersection of fascination, enlightenment and sheer joy, mesmerizing your mind and your hips!
GRAMMY SUBMISSIONS
Best Latin Jazz Album - (Latin Crossroads)
Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals - “On The Street Where You Live”
Best Producer - Album (Oscar Hernandez)
1. Blackbird 5:19 (Paul McCartney)
2. The Summer Knows 3:49 (Michel Legrand)
3. On The Street Where You Live 4:30 (Lerner & Lowe)
4. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered 4:32 (Rogers & Hart)
5. Shower The People 4:49 (James Taylor)
6. Aranjuez 5:16 (Joaquín Rodrigo)
7. Bad Things 4:09 (Jayce Everett)
8. 'Round Midnight 5:03 (Thelonius Monk)
9. Tonight 3:44 (Bernstein & Sondheim)
10. Romeo and Juliet 5:37 (Tchaikovsky)
11. Green Flower Street 4:02 (Donald Fagen)
CONCEPT & INSPIRATION
As producer and on behalf of Ovation Records, I am extremely proud to present pianist/arranger/orchestrator Gino Amato's cutting-edge brainchild, "Latin Crossroads” – a seamless and innovative blend of otherwise diverse Jazz, Pop, American Standard, Latin and Classical genres presented in a manner that seems both excitingly new and pleasantly familiar.
Gino's vision for "Latin Crossroads" took shape by drawing upon his personal connection to the rhythms & techniques of Latin music, brought to life with gracious contributions by an All-Star roster of vocalists & instrumentalists, the highest caliber that New York City, Los Angeles and the world have to offer.
What a joyous, rewarding opportunity it has been to witness this monumental undertaking take shape and to help craft & elevate this fresh, new style to its greatest potential. Call it what you will, the best way to judge it is to listen for yourself. This imaginative release will take you on a wonderful ride that you enjoy every step of the way.
- Oscar Hernández
VOCALISTS
Lead Vocals:
Janis Siegel (4)
Robin McKelle (7)
Margo Rey (9)
Claudette Sierra (2)
Arnold McCuller (1, 5)
Kevin Osborne (3, 11)
Background Vocals:
Janis Siegel (3, 11)
La Tanya Hall (3, 11)
Laurel Massè (3, 11)
Kevin Osborne (3, 11)
Arnold McCuller (1, 5)
Matt Cusson (1, 5)
MUSICIANS
Oscar Hernández (Piano - 1, 8, 9)
Hector Martignon (Piano - 4, 10)
Gino Amato (Piano - 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Ruben Rodriguez (Bass - 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
Will Lee (Bass-3, 7)
Vince Cherico (Drums - 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
Clint de Ganon (Drums - 3, 7, 11)
Ira Siegel (Guitar - 3)
John Benthal (Guitar - 9)
Randy Brecker (Lead Trumpet - 6)
Lew Soloff (Trumpet - 1, 2, 6, 8)
Manuel "Maneco" Ruiz (Trumpet - 3, 7)
Chris Rogers (Trumpet - 7)
Mike Rodriguez (Trumpet - 4, 6, 8)
Mike Mossman (Trumpet - 5, 9, 10)
Sean Jones (Trumpet - 4, 9)
Kevin Bryant (Trumpet - 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9)
Raul Agraz (Trumpet – 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10)
Bob Millikan (Trumpet – 2, 6, 8)
Luis Bonilla (Trombone - 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10)
Doug Beavers (Trombone - 3, 7)
Ozzie Melendez (Trombone - 4)
Dave Bargeron (Trombone - 4)
Dan Levine (Trombone - 7)
Gary Valente (Trombone - 4)
Dave Valentin (Flute - 9)
Jeremy Bosch (Flute - 3)
Andrea Brachfeld (Flute - 1, 2, 4)
Lou Marini (Alto Flute - 5, 6, Alto Sax/Solo - 5)
David Mann (Alto Sax - 3, 4, 5, 10)
Ken Hitchcock (Alto Sax - 1, 4)
Tom Timko (Tenor Sax-3)
Bobby Porcelli (Tenor Sax - 1, 4, 10)
Mitch Frohman (Tenor Sax - 4, Baritone Sax - 7)
Roger Rosenberg (Baritone Sax - 1, 4, 5, 10)
Alan Grubner (Solo Violin - 5)
Joe Locke (Vibes - 7)
Bryan Carrott (Vibes - 5)
Samuel Torres (Percussion - 3, 7, 11)
Pablo "Chino" Nunez (Percussion - 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)
STRING QUARTET
Leonardo Suarez (1st Violin - 11)
Jon Weber (2nd Violin - 11)
Alejandra Mahave (Viola - 11)
Danny Miller (Cello - 11)
STRING SECTION
Jacob Lawson (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Sylvia D'Avanzo (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Eric Hammelman (Violin - 2, 6, 9) David Cresswell (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Entcho Todonov (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Belinda Whitney (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Maxim Moston (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Avril Brown (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Jonathan Dinklage (Violin - 2, 6, 9) Chris Cardona (Violin - 2, 6, 9)
Nathalie Cummins (Principal Violin - 2, 6, 9) Daniel Miller (Cello - 2, 6, 9) Stephanie Cummins (Cello - 2, 6, 9)
Alex Kadran (Cello - 2, 6, 9) Wolfram Kossel (Cello - 2, 6, 9) Antoine Sliverman (Violin/Contractor - 2, 6, 9)
ENGINEERS & STUDIOS
David Baker - Engineer (Power Station, NYC) Bryan Montgomery - Engineer (Power Station, NYC)
Kostadin Kamcev - Instruments (Mozart Studios,
Little Falls, NJ)
Dave Darlington - Vocals (Bass Hit Studios, NYC) Arnaud Mathe - Vocals (Studios de la Seine,
Paris, France)
Talley Sherwood - Vocals (Tritone Studios, LA, CA) Matt Cusson-Vocals (Matt Cusson Studios,
Pittsfield, MA)
MIXED & MASTERED BY
Dave Darlington, Bass Hit Studios, NYC
PRODUCED BY
Oscar Hernández & Gino Amato
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Joseph & Lisa Amato
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Jay Matsueda
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my brother Joe Amato, a heartfelt Thank You for being such an ardent supporter and for your commitment to making this album a success. I am honored to be your brother.
To my "brother from another mother," Oscar Hernández, for your unwavering commitment and expertise in maintaining quality control at the highest level.
To my awesome family: Carol, Chris, Lauren & Rick. Your Love, Patience and Positive Energy kept me moving forward.
To all the wonderful singers, musicians & engineers who came together for this album, your generosity and commitment to excellence are valued and appreciated. Special Thanks to Janis Siegel for your insightful musical acumen and perceptive attention to detail.