My Passion for the Piano

Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval steps out as a pianist on this aptly named recording, a collection of standards and originals. He is backed by bassist Dennis Marks and drummer Ernesto Simpson, with percussionist Samuel Torres and saxophonist Ed Calle appearing as guests on several tracks. Sandoval is quite a virtuoso at the keys, although at times showiness outweighs substance — a criticism that one could level at his trumpet playing as well. One can't help but be impressed, however, by his lightning-fast runs on Dennis Marks' samba "Departure" or his in-depth dissection of "All the Things You Are," not to mention his lyricism on Armando Manzanero's "Esta Tarde Villover" and the affecting minor-key original "Marianela Says Goodbye." ~ David R. Adler, Rovi