1. "The Melodic Eddie"
Special Guest: saxophonist David Sanchez

Many years ago, Eddie discovered a precocious tenor saxophonist in Puerto Rico. That player, David Sanchez, became part of the Palmieri orchestra at a young age.

Now they come back together as fellow bandleaders and Grammy Award winners. David shows an appreciation for Mr. Palmieri’s melodic side, expressed by his desire to play “Adoración.” Show highlights include a moving duo version of the Palmieri standard “Puerto Rico” and a relaxed full-band workout on the Chano Pozo/DizzyGillespie classic Latin Jazz composition “Tin Tin Deo.”

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The musical selections in order:
> Montuno Para KUVO (4:34)
> Iraida (7:00)
> Adoracion (6:02)
> Tin Tin Deo (6:51)
> Puerto Rico (9:00)
> EP Blues (6:33)

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; David Sanchez, tenor saxophone; Giovanni Hidalgo, congas; Jose Clausell, timbales; Joe Santiago, bass; and Brian Lynch, trumpet on “EP Blues.”

2. "The Original Rhythms"
Special Guest: on congas Giovanni Hidalgo & trumpeter Brian Lynch

Both of these guests, Palmieri orchestra stalwarts over the years, are Latin jazz recording artists and bandleaders in their own right. Both bring these perspectives to the conversations with Eddie. The multi-talented Lynch speaks of his immersion into Afro-Caribbean Jazz while playing with Eddie’s band for the past 15 years. The two duo on the melodic “Doña Tere.” Giovanni, widely considered to be the most formidable and musical conga master of his generation, thinks of his drum as a piano. In his more than 50-year career as a musician, Eddie Palmieri has often spoken of using the piano as a percussion instrument. The sparks fly as the two perform a duo version of “Gio’s Blues,” then roar into an ensemble take on “Picadillo.”

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The musical selections in order:
> Slowvisor (6:45)
> Gio’s Blues (8:20)
> Picadillo (5:55)
> Bolero Dos (6:04)
> Dona Tere (6:00)
> La Libertad (6:44)

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; Brian Lynch, trumpet; Giovanni Hidalgo, congas; Joe Santiago, bass; Jose Clausell, timbales, percussion; Jose Madera, bongo, percussion.

3. "Caribbean Unity - It's About the Riddim"
Special Guest: pianist Monty Alexander

While the two pianists originate from opposite sides of the Caribbean, a dedication to rhythm and the feeling of jazz unites them. In this first-ever meeting between the two artists, their mutually sympathetic vibrations combine for some stunning music. The striking Palmieri composition “La Gitana” (The Gypsy) provides a unique forum for the exchange of musical ideas and performance. Other highlights include the always-delightful Thelonious Monk composition “In Walked Bud” and some entertaining, informative conversation between Monty and Eddie.

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The musical selections in order:
> Listen Here (4:04)
> Bianco’s Waltz (10:40)
> Definitely In (4:27
> In Walked Bud (3:44)
> Jamento (4:34)
> La Gitana (7:55)

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; Monty Alexander, piano; Craig Handy, alto & soprano saxophone; Robby Ameen, drums; Ed Cherry, guitar; Joe Santiago, bass; “Little Johnny” Rivero, congas.

4. "El Sonido Nuevo Revisited"
Special Guest: vibraphonist Joe Locke & trombonist Conrad Herwig

Forty years ago, the jazz world was rocked by the LP “El Sonido Nuevo,” a collaboration between the late vibraphonist Cal Tjader and Eddie Palmieri, with Eddie’s “La Perfecta” orchestra, also known at the time as the “Band of Roaring Elephants,” featuring the unique trombone styling of the late Barry Rogers. Now Eddie and his guests re-visit the landmark 1966 album. “Guarija en Azul” features a rousing solo by Joe Locke on marimba. The full force of the trombone section led by Conrad Herwig is especially evident on “El Sonido Nuevo.”

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The musical selections in order:
> Ritmo Uni (6:13)
> Resemblance (4:29)
> Cosas del Alma (7:17)
> Guajira en Azul (5:36)
> Lisa (5:15)
> El Sonido Nuevo (8:35)

Personnel: Eddie Palmieri, piano; Joe Locke, vibraphone, marimba; Conrad Herwig, trombone; Jose Santiago, bass; Jose Clausell, timbales; Little Johnny Rivero, congas; Joe Fiedler, trombone; David Miller, trombone.