by Matt CollarInnovative Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri returns to the music of his classic '60s ensemble La Perfecta on La Perfecta II. After disbanding La Perfecta in 1968 due to financial difficulties and later the death of trombonist/partner Barry Rogers in 1991, Palmieri vowed to never again perform the music he made famous. However, presented with the diligent transcriptions of La Perfecta's recordings by trombonist Doug Beavers, Palmieri felt the time had come for this music to be heard anew. What a gift. This is classic salsa, charanga, and mambo performed by some of the finest musicians in the Latin and jazz idioms. The music has just as much fire and energy as the originals, but references the best of progressive modern jazz arranging. Beavers even arranged one of Rogers' solos (on "Tirandote Flores") for three trombones. Joining in are many longtime Palmieri collaborators, like trumpeter Brian Lynch and trombonist Conrad Herwig as well as saxophonist Mario Rivera and percussionist John Rodriguez Jr. This is music you can dance to that also features forward-thinking jazz soloing of the highest order.