With O Nosso Amor, flautist Mark Weinstein has put together one of the year’s top Latin jazz releases. The recording, which is of superior quality and performance, resonates Weinstein’s texture on every track.

From the opening cut, “Bahia,” we are introduced to the pure skills of Weinstein as he weaves in and out of every solo line like the master he is. “Lugar Comum” highlights the extraordinary bass skills of Nilson Matta, who adds his gift to the composition and applies exactly what it needs. Weinstein has always surrounded himself with the best players and this recording is no different. Romero Lubambo on guitar is an absolute delight. His team play with Weinstein exemplifies the excitement and feel of Latin jazz.

“Frevo Camarada,” which was written by Lubambo, is a track that you will not get enough of. The title song, co-written by Anontio Carlos Jobim and Moraes De M.V.Cruz, is a beautiful composition that again highlights Lubambo’s phenomenal guitar work. The recording takes off with “Batucada,” a big-time samba party that will have you up and about the living room. The closing run of the recording includes some of the finest Latin compositions all around; however, the original work by Weinstein, “Marka Som,” demonstrates his superior composition ability.

This Jazzheads release is outstanding. From the compositions to the quality of recording, O Nosso Amor is on my top CD list for 2006.