For those not in the know, Frank Colón is a composer, producer, author, and a specialist in Latin, Brazilian, and Asian percussion instruments.

He is also a Krav Maga Black-Belt Dan 2 Instructor, a Tai Chi Chuan Instructor, and a PADI Divemaster.

On his brand new album Latin Lounge we discover the perfect blend of Latin grooves to move your body and soothe your soul.

Entirely composed and arranged by Puerto Rican percussionist, Colón, Latin Lounge also features a very interesting combination of young, talented musicians from Brazil, USA and Russia.

1. 'Emerald Coast'
2. 'Easy Does It'
3. 'Summer Cocktail'
4. 'Let's Just Go...'
5. 'Samba Gitano'
6. 'Spanish Heart'
7. 'Bali'
8. 'Wishful Thinking'
9. 'Tango Lucumí'
10. 'The Whales of Bahia'

The atmospheric, smooth wave roll of the opener 'Emerald Coast' showcases what the listener is in for perfectly on this album and that is backed seamlessly by both the streamlined trumpet found on 'Easy Does It,' and then the upbeat Latin hipsway of the mid-tempo 'Summer Cocktail.'

As a sideman with the Manhattan Transfer for 12 years, he collaborated with his creative sound for two of their Grammy awards (even being voted in 1988 as one of the top three “Most Influential Percussionist of the Year” by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine), so it's no wonder that this new album from Colón is so artistically flavorful.

More of the same can be found on 'Let's Just Go...' which in turn is followed by the gorgeous free flowing violin and cello work found on the wondrous 'Samba Gitano.'

His love for kinetic groove is shown passionately on both the lush 'Spanish Heart' and the enchanting 'Bali,' with the perky 'Wishful Thinking' along next.

The album then rounds out with my own personal favorite, the impassioned 'Tango Lucumí,' before coming to a close with the enthralling soundscapes found within 'The Whales of Bahia.'

Amazon Digital Purchase Link

www.frankcolonpercussion.com