Juan Pablo Torres - R.I.P.

[Lois Gilbert]

In is just being reported in the Miami news that Cuban Trombone Legend Juan Pablo Torres passed away here at Doctor’s Hospital in Coral Gables Sunday night, a victim of a brain tumor. He was 58.

J.P. (Juan Pablo) Torres is one of the finest trombonists to come out of Cuba. On his debut for Tropijazz, he welcomes altoist Paquito D'Rivera to five of the 11 selections and pianist Hilton Ruiz to three; the two famous guests contribute three originals apiece. However Torres still dominates the music. The repertoire, which also includes four of Torres's compositions, alternates heated bop sambas with slower (but still danceable) ballads. The Cuban rhythms are infectious, the trombone solos (which are sometimes mellow and other times a bit frantic) are consistently colorful and Torres takes a pair of fine vocals (including some scatting on "Four & Como Fue") which mix together two similar songs. Highpoints include D'Rivera's "Samba for Carmen" and "Who's Smoking." Recommended. -- Scott Yanow, All-Music Guide

[Chazro]

Whoa!

This is a shocker. One of the most prolific Latin Jazz musicians around, he was truly gifted. I especially enjoyed the variety shown in his projects. He was as comfortable playing everything from extreme Latin Jazz to traditional Latin music to Salsa Dura. As distinctive as his solo career was he was also very busy as a sideman, his name appears on a number of great Latin Jazz recordings where he wasn't the leader.

J.P., I'll miss ya bro'! En el cielo los veremos.