Trio CDs recorded for the Japanese market tend to involve straight-ahead treatments of classic material; while their focus on melody makes them highly accessible, they're neither simplistic nor boring. This is a Latin version of that formula, with the piano chair occupied by the excellent Arturo O'Farrill, son of legendary Cuban composer Chico and heir to his Afro-Cuban Jazz Big Band (his impressive 1999 Milestone debut was appropriately called "Bloodlines"). O'Farrill's playing is vibrant and fluid, merging Latin rhythms and jazz in a bouquet of standards whose melodies – if not titles – will be familiar. There's also Paquito's merry "Samba for Carmen" and a sizzling version of Donato's "Sabor."
Other highlights include "Perfidia," updated with a funky modern groove, and "Green Eyes" and "Kiss of Fire," where the arrangements transcend cliché. And speaking of which, the closer is a solo piano version of "Besame Mucho," which is far more thoughtful and interesting than this tune usually sounds. Although Cumana lacks the intricate percussion and blaring horns of many Latin releases, it burns in its own quiet way. Entertaining and very danceable.
Track Listing
Cumana, Perfidia, Angustia, Danzaon Don Vazquez, Kiss of Fire, Cachita, Green Eyes, Samba for Carmen, Estrellita, Sabor, Besame Mucho
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.
Author of "The Insanity Hoax: Exposing the myth of the mad genius," now in its updated second edition,Dr. J combines her love of jazz and her fascination with psychology, focusing on where they overlap: in celebrating the individual spirit.