Jazz Articles about Chucho Valdes

Chucho Valdes: New Conceptions

by Norman Weinstein
November 2, 2003

The album title is misleading. It is more than about time for the immensely talented Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes to come up with a wholly new musical concept for an album, particularly since he has been repeating the “Tyner-meets-Tatum in Havana" mode for many years. What sounds freshest here are polyrhythmic workouts with drummers Yaroldy Abreau Robles and Ramses Rodriguez Baralt on original Valdes tunes synthesizing Afro-Cuban religious drum rhythms with waves of thunderous piano riffs by Valdes. What sounds ...

Chucho Valdes: New Conceptions

by Dan McClenaghan
October 25, 2003

Half in jest, perhaps, Chucho Valdes calls the music he's developing “Cubanglish," a synthesis of Afro-Cuban and American jazz sounds that is unparalleled. On New Conceptions, the sixty year old pianist works with his quartet plus some well-chosen guest artists, in a break from his big band, Irakere; and what you get here is a purer pared-down example of Chucho Valdes' genius.Valdes combines a technical mastery of his instrument with an exuberant vision as clear as any. He's ...

Chucho Vald: Fant

by Jim Santella
August 3, 2002

A solo piano album can work wonders for your soul. The music drives deeply with personal reflections that we’ve been learning, little by little, since childhood. Thanks to composers such as Chopin, Debussy, Ravel and Ernesto Lécuona, we’ve shared much over the years. Chucho Valdés pays homage to each of them and adds his originals. Sparkling suites that change mood as the landscapes come and go provide much room for contemplation. Valdés gives us a lot to think about. Like ...

Chucho Valdes: Solo: Live in New York

by James Nichols
June 1, 2001

It’s a wonderful thing that Chucho Valdes has found such a healthy outlet for his aggression. Valdes demonstrates a dizzying exuberance at the piano during this 1998 solo date recorded at Lincoln Center's Kaplan Penthouse. Thoroughout the date it sounds like Valdes can barely contain his enthusiasm. Just when Valdes hits a repeating montuno and solicits clapping along from the audience he erupts into a free jazz cadenza ala Cecil Taylor. The clapping very abruptly tapers off.

Valdes displays amazing ...

Chucho Valdes: Solo-Live in New York

by James Nichols
May 1, 2001

It’s a wonderful thing that Chucho Valdes has found such a healthy outlet for his aggression. Valdes demonstrates a dizzying exuberance at the piano during this 1998 solo date recorded at Lincoln Center's Kaplan Penthouse. Thoroughout the date it sounds like Valdes can barely contain his enthusiasm. Just when Valdes hits a repeating montuno and solicits clapping along from the audience he erupts into a free jazz cadenza ala Cecil Taylor. The clapping very abruptly tapers off. Valdes displays amazing ...

Chucho Vald: Solo: Live In New York

by Jim Santella
March 1, 2001

Recorded in 1998 at Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York, Chucho Valdés' solo piano album brings familiar melodies to the audience with his personal zeal for powerful rhythms ingrained. Zestful ideas and constant shifts characterize his approach. Opening with a heartfelt ballad and including such familiar melodies as “Bésame Mucho" and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Valdés connects with the audience each time out. Each selection sounds like an old acquaintance; however, Valdés takes the time to apply his magic. ...

Chucho Vald: Live At The Village Vanguard

by John Sharpe
June 1, 2000

Among his many accomplishments, pianist Jesus Chucho Valdés may be best known for forming the Cuban jazz orchestra, Irakere. Sadly, the political tensions between Cuba and the United States have, till now, often prevented Valdés from showcasing his considerable talents to a broader audience. However, in the past few years he has been allowed to leave his homeland and perform around the world. Live At The Village Vanguard presents the Chucho Valdés Quartet working out on a high-energy collection of ...