Meral Guneyman, Dick Hyman - Danzas Tropicales (2010)

The award-winning and classical trained pianist Meral Guneyman, along with the iconic jazz arranger, composer and pianist Dick Hyman, present Danzas Tropicales, a fluid collection of piano compositions dedicated to Latin dance rhythms. Guneyman and Hyman create a sound which captures a signature blend of Latin fervor and sophisticated elegance. Danzas Tropicales features an array of lively rhythms, ranging from the original title piece, composed by Hyman himself, to an exciting spectrum of Latin-American classics spanning the past century, including interpretations of “Garota De Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema)" and “Manhã De Carnaval." “We dived into the world of Tango Nuevo, Bossa Nova and Samba, and found great enjoyment in performing these popular but challenging dance rhythms. Of course, to begin with, we were dealing with beautiful compositions by Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, Ernesto Nazareth, and in particular, Pablo Ziegler, who became our friend and adviser in the preparation of this album. In addition, there was Dick Hyman's remarkable concert piece, 'Danzas Tropicales,' which gave us our album title. Dick is also responsible for the deft arrangements of many of the titles," states Meral Guneyman. This album follows their critically-acclaimed Ryko debut, Playful Virtuosity. JAZZWISE MAGAZINE claimed that “Meral Guneyman possesses an exquisite touch, immense power and a formidable technique, “ while JAZZ TIMES said, “It is hard to imagine another piano couple offering the vast shimmering coordinated pointillismwaterfalls of romanticism." ~ Michael Ricci

Personnel: Piano – Dick Hyman (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6b, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12), Meral Güneyman (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6a, 6b, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)