'It's About Time' to try stellar Cuban jazz CD

ORESTES VILATO "It's About Time" (RAFCA Records) ★★★1/2

Grammy Award-nominee Orestes Vilato's fittingly titled "It's About Time," released on RAFCA Records, is filled with energetic and blood-pumping Cuban jazz numbers such as "Como El Macao, Candela," "Como Baila Marieta" and "Olvido."

Vilato, who has played with the likes of Carlos Santana, Celia Cruz, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Pacheco and Ruben Blades, lets his collaborative musicians soar, especially during the rumba classic "Consuelate Como Ya," featuring flutist Justo Almario and "Las Boinas de Cachao," which spotlights bassist Carlitos Puerto Jr.

Other standout tracks are "La Mulata Rumbera," with pianist Rebeca Mauleon and the magical brew of "Despedida."

Get this CD, put it on and dance the night away.

E-mail: scott@desnews.com