This is a compilation of live performances recorded during the early ’90s while Maria was touring Europe. The seven tunes are mostly high energy numbers. On “Funky Tambourine,” “Senso Unico,” “I Can Do It” and “Bom Bom Bom,” Maria plays in a quartet format, with Mitch Stein on guitar; Anthony Jackson, bass; and Steve Gadd, drums. “Chuleta” and “O Bom E” has a rhythm section of bassist Kip Reed, percussionist Armando Marcal and drummer Kim Plainfield. Trumpeter Rick Savage and saxophonist Jim Clouse are also heard on these cuts. “She’s Outrageous” features bassist Sergio Brandao, percussionist Sammy Figueroa and drummer Ricky Sebastian. All tunes and arrangements are by Maria. “Funky Tambourine” builds to a crescendo with Maria’s staccato piano and percussive scatting, Stein’s soaring guitar, and Gadd’s intense drumming. “Chuleta” [pork chop] is frenzied and spontaneous. “Senso Unico” and “O Bom E” are balladic numbers. Maria’s emotional style, her funky drive and drama, propel her bandmates to exceptional levels of musicianship.
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