AMG Review of Villa Hidalgo

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo's debut as a leader features the arrangements of trumpeter Tommy Villarini, who also contributed four of the nine selections. Hidalgo's conga, bongo, and timbales are showcased in a variety of settings, with his solos usually being brief and supportive of the other players. "Villa Hidalgo" has a guest spot by Dizzy Gillespie, altoist Paquito D'Rivera uplifts "Bahia San Juan," tenor saxophonist David Sanchez has several spots, "Yuliria" is a piano-conga duet with Eric Figueroa, and "Ianmanuel" features five percussionists plus Figueroa's keyboards. Some of the selections are funky and some are more traditional Latin music, with the styles and instrumentation changing from cut to cut. Stimulating music.