“The young musicians that are on this record have given me the fortitude to write and play piano at another level,” states Eddie Palmieri on the press release. Which is no small feat; he might be in his late eighties but the Grammy-laden Nuyorican is still as savvy as they come; hitching himself to an ensemble of younger musicians with chops and vision means everybody wins, including the listener. This work, a release by the pianist's very own tribute band (Sonido Solar or Solar Sound references Palmieri's AKA, The Sun of Latin Music), offers whip smart takes on nine Latin jazz classics – each one superbly arranged by the likes of trombonist Jonathan Powell (who gives ‘Mambo Inn’ some blow-your-hair-back welly) and pianist Zaccai Curtis (investing the Charlie Palmieri go-to, Nora Morales's ‘Maria Cervantes,’ with fresh melodic appeal). While Eddie Palmieri's influence can be felt throughout, he features on piano on just two tracks. One of which, fittingly, is mambo master Tito Puente's ‘Picadillo’, a tune given space for trumpet and alto solos and inventive improv from Palmieri. On closer ‘Suite 176’, a co-write between Palmieri and Fouché, the master and his mentors weave and spar with synergistic flair, respecting roots, boldly imagining the future.