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Arturo O' Farrill Trio: A Night In Tunisia

By Glenn Astarita
October 1, 2000
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Arturo O' Farrill Trio: A Night In Tunisia

Son of famed – “Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra” leader Chico O’Farrill, pianist Arturo O’ Farrill pursues the time honored piano trio format with this new release consisting of standards, titled after Dizzy Gillespie’s ubiquitous classic A Night In Tunisia. The overall production works out rather well thanks to the pianist’s impassioned jazz-based renderings in accordance with the powerful rhythm section featuring bassist George Mraz and drummer Steve Berrios. Hence, Mraz and Berrios triumphantly counterbalance O’Farrill’s acute sense of the dynamic, Latin induced lines and graceful mode of execution which is evident on “A Night In Tunisia”, three Jobim compositions and others.

O’ Farrill provides the listener with a sense of endearment on “The Shadow Of Your Smile” while pursuing lush harmonies and animated lines on “Poinciana”. However, the teaming of Mraz and Berrios alludes to the winning edge as this world class rhythm section maintains a brawny and thoroughly exhilarating pulse amid O’ Farrill’s thoughtful spins on these well-known works. At times, the pianist rekindles fond memories of Errol Garner as he performs with refined elegance and unswerving zest via his artful and altogether sincere approach to these oft recorded standards. Here, the trio offers the best of both worlds as they aggregate harmonious themes with controlled firepower.

* * * ½ (out of * * * * *)

Personnel

Arturo O'Farrill

piano

Album information

Title: A Night In Tunisia | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: 32 Jazz

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Arturo O'Farrill Concerts

Oct 4 Sat

Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Ensemble

California Center For The Arts, Escondido
Escondido, CA

Oct 9 Thu

Arturo O'farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.

ShapeShifter Plus
Brooklyn, NY

Oct 10 Fri

Arturo O'farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.

ShapeShifter Plus
Brooklyn, NY

Nov 14 Fri

Ephrat Asherie Dance With Arturo O'Farrill

Zellerbach Theatre
Philadelphia, PA

Nov 15 Sat

Ephrat Asherie Dance With Arturo O'Farrill

Zellerbach Theatre
Philadelphia, PA

May 8 Fri

Arturo O’Farrill: Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble

Zellerbach Theatre
Philadelphia, PA

May 9 Sat

Arturo O'Farrill

Tilles Center Concert Hall
Brookville, NY

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