Robby Ameen: Drums Special guest on vocals: Ruben Blades Troy Roberts: Saxophone Bob Franceschini: Saxophone Conrad Herwig: Trombone Manuel Valera: Piano Lincoln Goines: Bass Yunior Terry: Bass Mauricio Herrera: Congas Grammy award-winning drummer Robby Ameen's latest release, "Days in the Night" features his all-star working band laying down some high-energy, cutting-edge Afro-Cuban, funk and post-bop jazz. Also participating as an invited guest is Robby's longtime employer Ruben Blades, taking us on a journey of guaguanco, salsa and timba jazz. The band's lengthy and wide history of playing together allows them to move and react through a variety of genres while still retaining the focus and understanding of a group sound. Most of the repertoire consists of Robby's original compositions and arrangements, incorporating the many styles and influences he has absorbed as a sideman for such diverse artists as Ruben Blades, Jack Bruce, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Valentin, Paul Simon and Eddie Palmieri, while also leading his own bands over the last decade and more.The album also includes several duets between Robby and Troy Roberts exploring the freedom in the pairing of sax and drums while playing over interesting form-based arrangements. "Days in the Night" is a record that lives up to the realization that progressive jazz can go into so many different directions as long as the integrity of its roots are still respected, that categories are less relevant than ever before, and that one can be free to use all of one's listening and playing experiences to go beyond preconceived labels...