Bebo Valdés, one of the giants of Cuban music of the 1950s and the father of pianist Chucho Valdés, has lived in Stockholm since the early '60s, including 34 years on which he did not record, playing in anonymity. His rediscovery in the 1990s was a major event, and this two-CD set is one of the high points of his career. Utilizing an all-star group, Valdés (who was 86 at the time) debuts his eight-part "Suite Cubana" and also plays a variety of shorter pieces on the second CD, subtitled "El Solar de Bebo," with a combo. The music, particularly on the first CD, is a bit reminiscent of the music that he performed in Cuba in the 1950s, but it includes more modern solos and a heavier emphasis on jazz. The strong melodies, colorful improvisations, and exciting ensembles make Bebo de Cuba a classic. In addition, this superb package includes a bonus 22-minute DVD that tells the story behind this project. Bebo de Cuba is essential for all fans of Afro-Cuban jazz. ~ Scott Yanow
Personnel: Bebo Valdés (piano); Edgardo Miranda (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, tres); Paquito d'Rivera (clarinet, sopranino saxophone, alto saxophone); Bobby Porcelli (alto saxophone); Mario Rivera, Bob Franceschini (tenor saxophone); Pablo Calogero (baritone saxophone); Diego Urcola, John Walsh , Ray Vega , Michael Mossman, Raul Agraz (trumpet); Juan Pablo Torres, Luis Bonilla, Papo Vazquez, Douglas Purviance (trombone); John Benítez (bass guitar); Steve Berrios (drums, timbales); Dafnis Prieto (drums); Milton Cardona (congas); Joe Gonzales, Andy González (bongos, guiro); Rickard Valdés, Jimmy Delgado (timbales).
JazzTimes (p.96) - "[S]umptous....BEBO DE CUBA shows off the living master to dazzling effect, making clear Valdes' still-brilliant virtuosity and empathy."
This album is HOT!!! I was invited to see Bebo Valdez after a fundraiser at Jazz at Lincoln Center and was mesmerized by his music. Can clearly hear the jazz overtones in his music, but can also hear clearly his latin influence. Considered the father of Latin Jazz, Bebo should be a household name among jazz lovers and this album should be in everyone's collection. Submitted by sydman (Brooklyn, New York) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
South American big band is back Bebo Valdes has organized a big band that plays jazzoriented music with a Cuban flavour. You have to go back to early Edmundo Ros to hear such a tight band. The trupmets are formidable and they also supply good jazzsolos.
This is tweo CD - set complimented by one DVD. Good product for the money.
On the second CD you can also hear a smaller group that gives Bebo plenty of room to play Submitted by karl-erik.sturebrant (Sigtuna, Sweden) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Beautiful Cd's (and dvd) I just love this cd.
I could go on and on about how it is beautifully produced etc. More importantly, however, is the fact that it is just a great cd to sit back on your couch and enjoy (preferably with an ice cold martini in hand)....need I say more???? Submitted by George (New Jersey, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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