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Title: A fine blend of Jazz, Brazilian and Latin music
Review: This 1996 recording, the follow-up to 1994's "Made In Mango" (Redwood),incorporates new members Maria Marquez (Altamira) and Dulce Maria Arguelles' (Altazor) styles into a smooth (but never bland) mixture of Brazilian, Cuban and Venezuelan music overlaid with jazzy influences. The strong songwriting (mostly from band members) gives Mango a chance to display their widely varied musical skills. All members display exemplary musicianship. Highlights in a very strong set are the opening track "Tempestaad" (music set to an adaptation of Pablo Neruda's poem about a storm) and the almost-subversive cover of the Bacharach/David classic "The Look of Love." Marquez's breathy phrase "don't ever go" before Donna Viscuso burns up a sax solo, just grabs at your heart. If you're looking for something to stretch your musical boundaries in the Latin/Jazz arena, this is for you.
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