The evening took off with a dynamic piece by Todd Anderson called “Taz” which featured seductive solos by David Wiffen on saxophone, Kevin Turcotte on the trumpet and Mike Ruby on tenor sax. This was followed by the haunting piece “Reflexos” (Luiz Eca), a beautifully textural piece featuring a tasteful and inventive piano solo by Gordon Sheard. True to form, throughout the evening the band performed a variety of classic and modern material from contemporary Brazilian and Cuban composers as well as Morgan’s own original works. Highlights in the program included Milton Nascimento’s “Ode to Vera Cruz” which featured a blistering trombone solo by Phil Grey and the signature trumpet lines of Alexis Baro. “Olha Maria”, a Tom Jobim composition, was beautiful and spiritual in its simplicity. Morgan’s original compositions — the sultry and powerful “Dream City” (part of a suite inspired by the paintings of Paul Klee) and the majestic “Celtic Echoes” — were rich and sumptuous. Throughout the evening the best of Toronto’s Latin Jazz musical community wove a tapestry of sensual solos against a diaphanous backdrop of elegant orchestrations. The balance was perfect. Roberto Occhipinti and Mark Kelso anchored everything and added a driving energy and playfulness to the arrangements. The band was tight and the evening was well paced. The project was a clear demonstration of the caliber of Toronto musicians as well as the quality of Gary Morgan’s imaginative and masterful arrangements and strong musical direction.

The evening was truly a feast. The crowd as well as the band clearly enjoyed the music and Gary’s charming and informative introductions. I for one will most definitely be attending as many Gary Morgan and Panamericana! performances as I possibly can — perhaps the next time in New York!