Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez is living up to the promise that producer/discoverer Quincy Jones initially saw in the Cuban exile a number of years ago. Each album has had its own personality and has shown growth in terms of style and composing skills. This time around Rodriguez uses his core trio of Reinier Elizarde/b and Michael Olivera/dr as a foundation for various mixes and matches with a number of artists ranging from Richard Bona to Ibrahim Maalof with e xciting results.
The trio by itself starts things off with Rodriguez picking the piano strings for a festive “Chan Chan” before Ariel Bringuez’s tenor slinks in. Ibeyi’s voice glides over the exciting charge of “Yemaya’” and sways to the percussive groove on “Sabanas Blancas.” Richard Bona’s bass and voice create a romantic mood on the genteel and African felt “Raices” before he joins in a table dance on the fun and feisty “Ay, Mama’ Ines.” Some warm trumpet sounds from Maalouf along with Ganavya’s voice meld on a kinetic “Kaleidoscope” and Rodriguez broods with the trumpeter on a reflective and contemplative “Venga La Esperanza.” Each song has a lyrical simplicity, yet with enough richness in delivery and tecnnique to make you come back for more. Bravo.
Mack Avenue