Guneyman and Hyman create a sound which captures a signature blend of Latin fervor and sophisticated elegance. Danzas Tropicales features an array of lively rhythms, ranging from the original title piece, composed by Hyman himself, to an exciting spectrum of Latin-American classics spanning the past century, including interpretations of "Garota De Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema)" and "Manha De Carnaval."

"We dived into the world of Tango Nuevo, Bossa Nova and Samba, and found great enjoyment in performing these popular but challenging dance rhythms. Of course, to begin with, we were dealing with beautiful compositions by Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, Ernesto Nazareth, and in particular, Pablo Ziegler, who became our friend and adviser in the preparation of this album. In addition, there was Dick Hyman's remarkable concert piece, 'Danzas Tropicales,' which gave us our album title. Dick is also responsible for the deft arrangements of many of the titles," states Meral Guneyman.

This album follows their critically-acclaimed Ryko debut, Playful Virtuosity. JAZZWISE MAGAZINE claimed that "Meral Guneyman possesses an exquisite touch, immense power and a formidable technique," while JAZZ TIMES said, "It is hard to imagine another piano couple offering the vast shimmering coordinated pointillism…waterfalls of romanticism."

Track Listing

1. Garota de Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema)
(Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Norman Gimbel, 1954)

2. Asfalto
(Pablo Ziegler, 1993)

3. Milonga del Adios
(Pablo Ziegler, 2003)

4. Manha de Carnaval
(Luis Bonfa/ Antonio Mariz, Carl Sigman, 1959)

5. Adios Nonino
(Astor Piazzolla, 1959)

6. Prelude In E Minor (Frederic Chopin, 1839)
Insensatez (How Insensitive) (Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Norman Gimbel, 1963)

7. So Danco Samba
(Antonia Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Norman Gimbel, 1963)

8. Valse des Portes des Caixas
(Antonio Carlos Jobim, 1964)

9. La Rayuela
(Pablo Ziegler, 2003)

10. Danzas Tropicales
(Dick Hyman, 2005)

11. Milonga del Angel
(Astor Piazzolla, 1965)