When I discover established Latin Jazz artists far into their careers, their current recorded works seem like masterpieces deserving of repeated listenings. I love the process of checking out their compositional techniques and hearing how they integrate different Latin styles into a jazz setting. Each artist has an individual approach, refined over years of experimentation. I enjoy discovering the artists improvisational voice and hearing the unique spin that the put on the traditional jazz improv language. They build a voice through years of experimentation, a thorough study of traditional phrases, and conscious musical decisions. Although many established Latin Jazz artists continue to explore new avenues, we usually hear the result of years of hard work and self-discovery - a refined jazz artist.
I always find myself feeling like I missed something though - these artists generally have a slew of previous recordings both under their own names and as sidemen. These recordings constitute much more than additional listening though, they tell the story of the musicians artistic development. The artists search for an improvisational voice becomes apparent, and their influences shine through their playing. Their early compositions provide insight into musical choices that affect their later works. The artist may have previously explored styles that they have since left behind - these different settings generally inspire a forgotten approach in the artists performances. Thats why I love re-releases; the prospect of finding older recordings and observing the artists development truly gets me excited.
Two album reissues from Bele Bele Jazz Club, Este Camino Largo and The Lost Sessions, offer listeners the opportunity to revisit DRiveras Havana days. These recordings place him in a variety of contexts and find him collaborating with diverse musicians. Avid DRivera listeners may have heard some of these tracks on other albums, but many of them have been taken from hard to find recordings. The expected collaborations arise often on these CDs - most notably DRiveras association with Chucho Valdes and Irakere - but the albums also contain some unlikely musical partners, such as a Finnish jazz combo and the Egrem Studios Orchestra. These two albums provide an interesting look at a piece of Latin Jazz history that all too often goes unheard due to the time periods politics.
I always find myself feeling like I missed something though - these artists generally have a slew of previous recordings both under their own names and as sidemen. These recordings constitute much more than additional listening though, they tell the story of the musicians artistic development. The artists search for an improvisational voice becomes apparent, and their influences shine through their playing. Their early compositions provide insight into musical choices that affect their later works. The artist may have previously explored styles that they have since left behind - these different settings generally inspire a forgotten approach in the artists performances. Thats why I love re-releases; the prospect of finding older recordings and observing the artists development truly gets me excited.
Two album reissues from Bele Bele Jazz Club, Este Camino Largo and The Lost Sessions, offer listeners the opportunity to revisit DRiveras Havana days. These recordings place him in a variety of contexts and find him collaborating with diverse musicians. Avid DRivera listeners may have heard some of these tracks on other albums, but many of them have been taken from hard to find recordings. The expected collaborations arise often on these CDs - most notably DRiveras association with Chucho Valdes and Irakere - but the albums also contain some unlikely musical partners, such as a Finnish jazz combo and the Egrem Studios Orchestra. These two albums provide an interesting look at a piece of Latin Jazz history that all too often goes unheard due to the time periods politics.
