Bele Bele En La Habana

Bele Bele En La Habana

Bele Bele En La Habana

ASIN: B000007QQF

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
His two decades of success as leader, main composer, and arranger of the supercharged Cuban jazz fusion group Irakere have often obscured the talents of Jesus "Chucho" Valdés as a pianist. Now Valdés seems ready, indeed eager, to take his playing center stage. Bele Bele en la Habana, recorded in Toronto early in 1998, features Valdés with a stripped-down quartet playing a program of originals and Cuban standards. It's an impressive show. With sure technique, Valdés seamlessly blends elements of jazz (postbop phrasing and rich harmonies reminiscent of Bill Evans), classical, and Afro-Cuban music. He offers high energy and lyricism ("Son Montuno"), an implacable groove ("Con Poco Coco," "La Sitiera," "But Not for Me"), and even a dash of melodrama now and then (the classic "Tres Lindas Cubanas"). Irakere might have lost their leader, but jazz has gained a superior pianist. --Fernando Gonzalez

Jazz Times
Hurricane Chucho, a much-revered maestro in Havana, president of the Havana Jazz Festival and the embodiment of modern Cuban jazz piano, is better represented by this date than he has ever been. The music fairly leaps from your speakers, piano and rhythms grabbing you forcefully by the sensibilities and compelling you towards a journey that is equal parts dazzling and delightful.

Bele Bele En La Habana,Chucho Valdes,Blue Note Records,Jazz,Jazz Music,Latin Jazz,Pop
Bele Bele en La Habana
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • In a word - awesome
  • This is an amazing CD
  • acquired taste
  • Bele Bele en La Habana
  • Bele Bele en La Habana
 Bele Bele en La Habana
Chucho Valdes
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000007QQF
Release Date: 1998-06-30

Tracks:

  1. Son Montuno
  2. Lorraine
  3. But Not For Me (Pero No Para Mi)
  4. Con Poco Coco (Without Much Thought)
  5. El Cumbanchero (The Rumba Dancer)
  6. Tres Lindas Cubanas
  7. La Sitiera (The Small Farm)
  8. Los Caminos (The Pathways)

Amazon.com essential recording

His two decades of success as leader, main composer, and arranger of the supercharged Cuban jazz fusion group Irakere have often obscured the talents of Jesus "Chucho" Valdés as a pianist. Now Valdés seems ready, indeed eager, to take his playing center stage. Bele Bele en la Habana, recorded in Toronto early in 1998, features Valdés with a stripped-down quartet playing a program of originals and Cuban standards. It's an impressive show. With sure technique, Valdés seamlessly blends elements of jazz (postbop phrasing and rich harmonies reminiscent of Bill Evans), classical, and Afro-Cuban music. He offers high energy and lyricism ("Son Montuno"), an implacable groove ("Con Poco Coco," "La Sitiera," "But Not for Me"), and even a dash of melodrama now and then (the classic "Tres Lindas Cubanas"). Irakere might have lost their leader, but jazz has gained a superior pianist. --Fernando Gonzalez

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars In a word - awesome.......2002-07-01

I saw Chucho play live at Symphony Hall in Chicago about 3 years ago. Our seats were in the very last row, and the sound quality was just horrible...but I could hear enough to know that his group was really cooking. So I finally broke down and got "Bele Bele en La Habana", and wow, am I glad I did. Not only is the sound quality terrific (check out the bass drum kicks on La Sitiera), but the performances are just amazing. This is complex, incredible music, and has appeal that goes well beyond the confines of jazz and latin genres.

5 out of 5 stars This is an amazing CD.......2002-05-09

If you like Eddie Palmieri, you must try this CD. It's more improvizational than Eddie's work but you will not be disappointed. Chucho is an amazingly talented artist and now this is my new favorite CD that I just can't stop listening to.

4 out of 5 stars acquired taste.......2001-08-14

I first heard a track from Valdes' "Lucumi" album on a sampler CD and I bought "Bele Bele..." and "Briyumba Palo Congo" wanting to hear more. There's no doubt that Valdes is brilliant, but you have to enjoy lightning speed to enjoy these two recordings. Even at his most relaxed he pounds rather hard here. I'm still trying to get a copy of "Lucumi." On the track I heard there, "Adiva," Valdes seemed to combine classical with a touch of gospel--tender and thoughtful. I don't mean to downgrade his other recordings. I was just in the mood for something quieter.

4 out of 5 stars Bele Bele en La Habana.......2001-08-08

If you like jazz and Latin music you will love this CD. Chucho combines the two to develop a wonderful sound.

4 out of 5 stars Bele Bele en La Habana.......2001-08-08

If you like jazz and Latin music you will love this CD. Chucho combines the two to develop a wonderful sound.

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