Known as Clare Fischer & Salsa Picante Present "2 + 2" in the States, this special album earned keyboardist/composer/arranger Clare Fischer his first Emmy. It combines the American’s lauded Latin group Salsa Picante with another of Fischer’s musical loves, vocal jazz. Before he migrated into Latin and bossa, Fischer arranged and played piano for one of the most popular vocal jazz groups of the late 1950’s the Hi-Lo’s. A major influence on the next generation of musicians, Fischer’s place in the jazz Pantheon is secure – several of his compositions have become jazz and Latin standards; Herbie Hancock commented “I wouldn’t be me without Clare Fischer”. The group includes conga star Poncho Sánchez, Weather Report percussionist Alex Acuña, Fischer’s son, Brent (Prince, Michael Jackson, Usher, Al Jarreau), and Grammy award-winning singer Darlene Koldenhoven. The compositions display Fischer’s compositional and arranging artistry: Morning has become a Latin jazz standard, and Guajira Pa' La Jeva was named best Latin Recording of 1981. For those who love sophisticated Latin Jazz (who doesn’t?), this album is a must!
