[2] Panamericana Suite takes its name after the song and was recorded live at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in April 2008.

I grew up the son of a classical saxophone player who loved jazz... growing up in Havana, Latin American music was in the air.

[3] "Con Alma" is a song written by Dizzy Gillespie, and arranged by Oscar Stagnaro, including the Peruvian rhythms festejo and zambo lando.

Puerto-Rican soprano Brenda Feliciano joins "Song for Peace", a track with tango undertones.

[4] Marty Ashby, the record producer, said about the awards outcome: "This recording expresses the essence of Paquito D’Rivera... from refined Classical compositions to swinging jazz, Paquito takes the listener on a journey celebrating the multitude of Latin and World rhythms, connecting them with the best of jazz and classical traditions.