Originally to have been called Mexicanticipación, the name of this brilliant suite by Duke Ellington was broadened, following the band's momentous Latin American tour of 1968, to reflect the variety of its parts. Greatly stimulated by the warmth, beauty, and hospitality of the region and its people, Ellington was inspired to some of the best writing of his late career. Correspondingly, the band was notably relaxed and happy, as can be heard in the surge and swing of the ensembles and the quality of the solos. Tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, the suite's chief soloist, was at the top of his game. Without resorting to clichés or the addition of "native" percussion, Ellington captured the spirit of the countries below the border. It is one of his happiest albums.

with Buster Cooper, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, Lawrence Brown, and others