New Horizons (2000)

"The third CD for this band has a change in personnel, with Paquito D'Rivera and Andy Narell gone but Dave Valentin (flute) and Steve Khan (guitars) joining. It has changed the entire dynamic structure of the band, for the better. Valentin's otherworldly sound and Khan's acoustic and electric abilities open fresh vistas for Samuels' pan-Caribbean notions on vibes and marimba. The combination has great potential, fully realized on several of the ten selections. Samuels wrote four of these, the most impressive being "Ivory Coast," which features introductory jungle sounds, a moody, darkly hued melody, churning beats of six and four juxtaposed, and a true sense of sound sculpting. For the most part, this is music that will make you happy, bringing much melodic warmth from the tropics, and gives you more evidence as to the advanced talents of the participants. Recommended." (Allmusic)