Man, if 2007 continues in the same vein as 2006 it's gonna be a killin', smokin', most musical year. I scored these last three of the year yesterday:

- Jerry Gonzalez - 'Music For Big Band'. JG's journey to Spain has been a revalatory experience for him and his fans. He's never been in a finer form and it shows in his playing. He's the featured soloist in this Big Band from Spain and it's just tremendous work. I expected loose jamming over Big band Charts, not this intelligent, lyrical, beautifully arranged work of Art. Vaya Jerry!!

- 8 & Mas (8 & More) - This is an 8 man group featuring the core members of the NY Salsa Dura Movement that I've mentioned before. DAMN!! No, double-Damn!!! This is one of the smokin'est, swingin'est salsa records ever made, period. THIS is the one I'll have on at midnight to be SURE the party keeps goin' on!!

- The Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project - Comes in just under the wire to make my Latin Jazz record of the year. Brian Lynch, trumpeter of long-standing with the Eddie Palmieri AND Phil Woods bands decided to bring in BOTH of his mentors to record this fantastic record! Such a rewarding listen and most very highly recommended, great stuff!

I bought other stuff last week but these are the last 3, what a smokin' way to end the year. To all of you I wish a most prosperous and of course, the most musical of New Years, Feliz Ano Nuevo, VAYA!!!!!