If you’re like I am, and think that Afro-Cuban sounds was one of the greatest things to happen to jazz, this 5 disc collection of music from Cuban locals from the 50s is simply as smoking hot as a Montecristo. The sweat, swing, energy and enthusiasm is captured like a time capsule, as the music cruises like a ’49 Buick.
You may not be familiar with these artists, but don’t let that dissuade you. Pianist Julio Gutierrez leads the first two albums along with Pedro Justiz and the ’56-57 recordings from the Panart Studios are the result of a jam session that began at 10 pm and ended at 6am! A “Theme From Perfidia” sizzles like rice and onions, while some scat work on “Cimmaron” is like Dizzy Gillespie pureed through Cuban coffee. A mix of tribal chants and incessant grooves team up for a volcanic “Bata Rhythm” as well. The horns supplied by tenor saxists Emilio Penalver and Jose Silva are vintage Texas breathy, as the stacked rhythm team canters like a collection of stallions.Someone is in overdrive here!
Tres master Nino Rivera leads a nine member group for a ’62 that mixes circa era jazz with traditional folk feelings, sounding danceable on “Montuno-Swing” and the festive “Cha Cha Cha Montuno.” For most of the session, pianist Orestes Lopez comes off like Cuban form of Count Basie with deliciously concise and economical forays as on “Montuno Guajiro, while on the galloping and urgent “Guaguanco-Comparsa” trumpeter “El Negro” Vivar alternates between muted/sweet and open as he blares out quotes from “Caravan.” Bassist Israel Lope (Cachao) leads the 4th Volume “Descargas” with a 6 man team and a hopping sax team that is as thick as coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup on “Guajeo De Saxes.” Cachao sticks around for the last session lead but flutist Jose Fajardo for a session recorded in both Havana and NYC. The nimble team floats with drummer Walfredo De Los Reyes on “Juaniquita” and Guajirando.”
This is music that evokes images of Ricky Ricardo and scenes from Guys and Dolls with Marlin Brando. This set is like a trip through Calle Obispo that you’ll savor like the smoke rings from your cigar. Lucy has no ‘splainin’ to do on this one!
Not to mention, on the back of some of the sleeves are vintage album liner notes with listes of “Otros Albumes Por Sus Cantantes Favoritos En Panart.” In other words, similar albums that were available at that time. I for one am already on the internet looking for these hidden gems! Oye!