JAZZBO NOTES ESSENTIAL RECORDING
Rating: 
In some respects, In Session is like almost any other Tito Puente release. The percussion is incredibly strong and and the charts are innovative, although Puente never sacrifices the authenticity of the rhythms.
But there’s an interesting dichotomy on In Session. More so than usual, Tito Puente allots solo space to percussionists, including himself, by including lengthy repetitive sections in the arrangements. On the other hand, there is a major emphasis on jazz improvisation by the likes of flautist Dave Valentin, pianist Hilton Ruiz, trumpeter Charlie Sepulveda, and saxophonist Mario Rivera. Hilton Ruiz in particular is astonishing, especially when he is playing octave runs, but all of the players get a chance to shine, and acquit themselves admirably. Even drummer Ignacio Berroa gets a turn in the spotlight.
What it boils down to is that In Session is a showcase for individual musicians rather than a dance record, while still retaining a Latin character. And in that capacity, In Session succeeds marvelously.
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