by Scott Yanow
An average set for Poncho Sanchez and his Afro-Cuban jazz octet. Despite the presence of trumpeter Steve Huffsteter and valve trombonist Mark Levine in the front line (along with the tenor of Dick Mitchell), there are not that many memorable horn solos on the nine selections (mostly group originals and obscurities, except for Kenny Dorham's &Una Mas&). There is some heated playing by the three-piece percussion section, which includes Sanchez on conga, and plenty of good spirits, so Poncho Sanchez's fans will find this CD reissue enjoyable. But his most significant recordings would be in the future.