In this complete live-album transcription, Altoist Paquito D’Rivera teams up with trumpeter Claudio Roditi on a live sextet date also featuring keyboardist Carlos Franzetti, bassist Steve Bailey, drummer Ignaccio Berroa and percussionist Daniel Ponce. The material (mostly group originals) may seem obscure but the pieces serve as fine vehicles for the very complementary horns of the explorative D’Rivera and the comparatively mellow Roditi. This is high quality Afro-Cuban jazz, and marks the third foray into Afro-Cuban trumpet playing by Erik Veldkamp in his series on the genre.

Paquito D’Rivera’s importance to Afro-Cuban jazz lies in his exceptional musical abilities, his dedication to preserving and innovating within the genre, and his role in spreading awareness and appreciation for this vibrant musical tradition on a global scale. D’Rivera was born in Cuba and grew up in a musically rich environment. His early exposure to Cuban music, including Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditions, deeply influenced his musical style. He became well-versed in the intricacies of Afro-Cuban musical forms like rumba, son, danzón, and mambo.

While rooted in tradition, D’Rivera was also known for his innovative approach to music. He blended elements of Afro-Cuban jazz with other genres like bebop, classical, and Latin jazz, creating a unique and exciting fusion of styles. Throughout his career, D’Rivera was dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Afro-Cuban music. His performances and compositions often incorporated traditional elements, ensuring that these musical traditions remained alive and relevant while influencing a new generation of musicians.

Find the song list below, samples to the left, and click above for an immediate digital download.

Song List

1. Havanna/New York
2. Song for Maura
3. Red on Red
4. Deja Vu
5. Zenith (Tacet)
6. Estamos Ahi