Jazz Articles about Chucho Valdes

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...