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Hot House: Hot House: Cuban Tribute to Charlie Parker
ByThis elegantly simple CD works admirably on a number of different musical levels: the solo and ensemble playing is excellent; and the selection of Parker favorites is Latin-appropriate. There are no inappropriate remakes, and the overall production has an understated, positive flair.
Gluzband, who has performed and recorded with Latin greats such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Ray Barretto, shows Arturo Sandoval-esque chops and a keen rhythmic and melodic sense of nuance. From the first cut, "Red Cross," through the entire session he plays with the elegance, control and confidence of a machismo matador. The rhythm section pulses passionately and spins Latin and Afro-Cuban polyrhythms in a nicely sedated way. There's an overall sensitivity to melody on "Everything Happens to Me," "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and, indeed, all of the selections. The tunes, many recorded by Parker, cover the rhythmic palette of Cuban dance-types, from the Mambo and Son to the Changui. All excel and subtly intrigue.
There's a clear authenticity to the offerings Gluzman and crew deliver. "Quasimodo" takes Bird's boppish composition and, using the Cuban Son rhythmic base, takes on an entirely different musical perspective. It's that way on all the selections herepositive, respectful and reverential to the Masterand quite passionate, too.
Hot House is a thoroughly enjoyable effort, certainly up to the task of honoring Parker, his compositions, and renditions. Gluzband and the Hot House crew pull it off most admirably. While he might or might not dance, Bird would surely tap his foot listening.
Track Listing
Red Cross; Everything Happens to Me; My Heart Belongs to Daddy; Hot House; Quasimodo; Five Sisters; Convergencia; N'est-Ce Pas?; Little Suede Shoes; A Night in Tunisia; I Love Paris.
Personnel
Steve Gluzband
trumpetSteven Gluzband: trumpet, cornet; Gabriel "Chinchilita" Machado: all percussion; Pablo Nova: tres; Jorge Bringas: bass; Art Bailey: piano; Roman Diaz: bata drums; Itai Kriss: flute; Marshal Gilkes: trombone; Chico Alvarez: vocal, guiro; Ali Bello: violin; Meg Okura: violin; Rachel Gluzband: viola; Jessie Reagen: cello.
Album information
Title: Hot House: Cuban Tribute to Charlie Parker | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Self Produced
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