Reviewed by James Tweed

Although the American jazz giants Koinonia have not released any new material since 1989's eponymous album, group members have kept themselves extremely busy, working with the likes of guitarist Larry Carlton, gospel great Andrae Crouch (whose first album in ten years is on the way), flugelhorn player Fletch Wiley and backing trumpeter Phil Driscoll. But the band that plays together stays together, as the presence of bassist Abraham Laboriel and percussionist Alex Acuna as the rhythm section for most tracks on Columbian Almario's latest solo outing testifies. The former Roy Ayers saxophonist's fifth album is just as you'd expect, an intoxicating cocktail of exuberant Latin American jazz and technical virtuosity. Tracks such as "Mambo Metalico", with its sensual Latin groove, and the downright funky "casa Verde" contrast with more contemplative mood numbers like "Love, Joy, Peace" and "Melodia", making 'Heritage' a must for those awaiting the next Koinonia album. Clocking in at over 52 minutes, 'Heritage' is superior music of its kind, though its late night feel may not be to everyone's taste and the presence of a Japanese co-producer alludes to its real market. Recommended.

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