Latin jazz pianist Danilo Perez outfits himself with strings on 2008's ACROSS THE CRYSTAL SEA. Arranger Claus Ogerman pens most of the album's tunes, and his charts and compositions create a rich framework for the improvisations of Perez and the other players, including bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Hash in addition to vocalist Cassandra Wilson, whose performances on "Lazy Afternoon" and "(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings" make for two of the album's highlights. Those expecting a straightforward Latin jazz outing may be surprised by the lyrical sweep of ACROSS THE CRYSTAL SEA.