Jazz Articles about Chucho Valdes

like 174

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. ...

like 215

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 ...

like 219

Chucho Vald: Live At The Village Vanguard

by Jim Santella
April 1, 2000

The high energy Chucho Valdés Quartet frames the leader’s powerful piano melodies with timeless Afro-Cuban rhythmic patterns. Swarming forcefully at the New York nightspot, the pianist shows his audience many different sides of his acoustic jazz piano quartet, from sweet and gentle to highly dramatic. Creative throughout, Valdés moves from traditional dance steps to avant-garde distinction while carrying his unique keyboard approach everywhere. Picture a big man with big hands moving all over that piano, raining down waves of consonant ...

like 212

Chucho Vald: Briyumba Palo Congo

by Jim Santella
July 1, 1999

Using an augmented piano trio for his latest project, Chucho Valdés has put together a session of Afro-Cuban excitement with unique tributes to Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. Lyrical acoustic bassist Francisco Rubio Pampin insures that the swing never strays too far from center. Several percussionists and guest vocalists, including Valdés’ sister Mayra round out the ensemble.

The pianist plays with a big forceful hand, as percussive as the drums. Blue Note describes the leader’s style: “Like McCoy Tyner, Valdés ...

like 191

Chucho Valdes: Chucho Valdes Live!

by Paula Edelstein
June 1, 1999

Cuban music legend, Jesus “Chucho” Valdes is fiery hot and still impacting the jazz world with his diverse musical elements. Riding the new wave in Latin jazz fostered by the pianist’s critically acclaimed Bele Bele en la Habana on Blue Note in 1998, Valdes reserved enough energy to excite his fans with an exquisite blend of technique and soul on Live. The CD, an infectious, collection of cubop grooves and rhythms, further develops the Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz collective Chucho ...