Perhaps the hardest-working man in jazz today, flautist Mark Weinstein is back with yet another Latin jazz release – this time with award-winning Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez (with whom he worked on his Algo Mas and Con Alma albums. Busy having just released Jazz Brasil with Kenny Barron and with another shortly to be released (the Brazilian-flavored Lua e So – he has released 15 albums since 1996) Weinstein was somewhat reticent when approached by Martinez to record again, but was convinced when the percussion master said he could supply a group of truly exceptional (mostly) Cuban musicians. The album was recorded in one day-long session and captures the excitement that is produced when great players are put together and set free. Classic tunes covered include “Milestones,” “Footprints” (in 7/4 – a true highlight!), Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” Chucho Valdes’ “A Ernesto” and a rollicking “Caravan,” while four originals (including a great album-ending version of Weinstein’s “Just Another Guajir” – revisited from his 1960’s classic Cuban Roots album). As always, Weinstein’s flute is dancing and delightful – at times recalling the groundbreaking Herbie Mann, while pianist Axel Tosca Laugart is an absolute knockout (Weinstein says he is the best he has recorded with – high praise considering he has played with Barron and Chick Corea). Imaginative electric bassist Panagiotis Andreou (check his introduction to “Caravan” where he sings and plays along) , drummer Mauricio Herrera and bongo/bata player Ogduardo join Martinez to form what Weinstein says is the best rhythm section he has ever played with (yet another amazing claim from someone who has played with some of the best Afro-Cuban groups of the last fifty years). It is hard to argue with Weinstein as the rhythm section really shines. Despite the energetic and intricate drumming and juicy bass solos, the music here is often as relaxed as an island beach – and although it is toe-tapping, it doesn’t raise your heart-rate to unacceptable levels like someof the most blistering and in-your-face Afro-Cuban music. The 69-year-old Weinstein is experiencing a resurgence of his career and continues to produce some of the finest recordings of Latin jazz around. No sign of slowing down either – he says he has two new tango albums in the work.