During a long and varied performance as the closing act in this year's Jazz at the Sheraton series, the dynamic pianist blended elements of classical, New Orleans, calypso, tango, Latin, ballad and even blues sounds between and within his intricate pieces, accompanied by bassist Charles Flores and drummer Dafnis Prieto, both from Cuba.
Camilo grabbed series co-founder Michael MacKay for a big embrace before he took the stage, starting off slow and thoughtful but quickly growing boisterous in the delightful New Orleans-infused "Cocowalk."
He alternated between fast and slow pieces; which was better depended on what you were in the mood for. Camilo demonstrated his versatility by swinging from improvisational to traditional, dark to cheery, percussive to sultry.
Camilo spurred on the other members of his trio, who clearly enjoyed the challenge and played with giant grins all night. Drummer Prieto got to strut his pyrotechnic prowess on complex selections like "See You Later" - a tribute to Flamenco great Tomatito - and a fan club of a few dozen in the audience stood to cheer him on while he closed his eyes in a grimace of pure satisfaction and pounded away.
He has a great sense of fun, but Camilo is also seductively introspective when he decides to slow down and take his time. Playing "Twilight Glow," which Camilo wrote in total darkness, he combined tango rhythms with a thoughtful melancholy and subtle shifting of mood. For the second of two encore pieces, Camilo allowed his compatriots to leave the stage, saying, "I want to play something for you." That was the joyful "Suntan," which Camilo wrote after leaving his native Dominican Republic to come to New York.
Camilo is an artist who obviously likes to push himself, always moving into new territory but always with a magical combination of thoughtfulness and confidence.
Michel Camilo
WHERE: Jazz at the Sheraton
WHEN: Monday night
TICKETS: This was the last concert of the regular series, but a benefit with Jeff Hamilton is planned for June 8. For tickets and information, call 278-0411.
THE SKINNY: Showing more range, dynamism and maturity than ever, the versatile pianist and composer just keeps getting better.
