After producing over 50 albums for other artists in Puerto Rico, Colombia and the U.S., participating as pianist-arranger in more than 100 recordings and writing music for feature films, theater and television, as well as jingles and video games, Israel Tanenbaum is stepping out with something more profoundly personal on Impressions.

Leading a talented crew of players who hail from Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and New York City, Tanenbaum creates irresistible mambos, danzons and descargas that showcase his refined arrangements and typically uncommon choices while also revisiting his musical roots and rekindling some nostalgic memories along the way.

For my taste, the highlight of the disc is “Prelude,” inspired by Chopin’s Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28 No. 4. It is an effervescent arrangement that ebbs and flows in all the right ways, allowing each player to shine. The remaining Latin jazz numbers that follow are even more impressive after this breezy moment.