Artist:Chucho Valdes
Song:Son Montuno
Album:Bele Bele en La Habana
Jesus "Chucho" Valdes is at the forefront of the Cuban jazz movement. But unlike other Cuban musicians, he still lives there. He was born Oct. 9, 1941 in Quivecan, Cuba. His father is pianist Bebo Valdes. He was musical director of the Tropicana nightclub in Havana. Bebo defected from Cuba in 1960 and moved to Sweden. Chucho stayed behind. Chucho became famous in Cuba as leader and musical director of the band Irakere. He continues to record with Irakere but also records as a solo artist. When Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall wanted to sign Chucho, he had to turn into a diplomat. This 1998 CD is his Blue Note debut and coincided with a North American tour. Chucho had to record the CD in Toronto as he was not allowed to record in the US at the time. The band is very simple with Alain Perez Rodriguez on bass, Raul Pineda Roque on drums and Roberto Vizcaino Guillot on percussion. Valdes is simply fabulous. His most recent solo CD is 2003's New Conceptions but he still records with Irakere. Chucho Valdes is one of the best jazz musicians working today. After many years, Chucho and his father Bebo valdes reunited for the documentary Calle 54. Here's their improvisation from that film.
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