Charlie Sepúlveda is trumpeter of power and nuance. On this new recording, Sepúlveda takes on the challenge of preserving culture without being trapped by it. He can take a tried-and-true classic like "Besamé Mucho," and instead of falling into the routine he completely modernizes it, stripping the tune of his sometime over-emphasized bolero rhythm and makes something completely new and communicative. Here paying tribute to his former boss, Eddie Palmieri, Sepúlveda brings his distinctive style to eight imaginative tracks with Palmieri delivering two solo tracks. This isn't salsa and it isn't jazz, and it's not exactly a fusion of the two but an exciting and imaginative place between them.
1. Variations on a Theme 1
2. Charlie's Whole Tone Blues
3. Bomba Pa' Carmen
4. Mr. EP
5. Besame Mucho
6. Peer Magic
7. Si tú Sabes
8. Mr. Jazz
9. Variations on a Theme 2
Charlie Sepúlveda, trumpet & leader
Norberto Ortiz, tenor saxophone
Bienvenido Dinzey, piano
Gabriel Rodriguez, bass
Raul Maldonado, drums
Gadwin Vargas, congas and others
Special Guest
Eddie Palmieri, piano
