Artist:Irakere
Song:Cuando Canta El Corazon (When My Heart Sings)
Album:Live At Ronnie Scott's
Irakere has been Cuba's number one jazz band since the 1970s. The group has always been led by legendary pianist Jesus "Chucho" Valdes. He was born Oct. 9, 1941 in Quivican, Cuba and is the son of pianist and bandleader Jesus "Bebo" Valdes. Of course Valdes is also a tremendous solo artist but he has led Irakere since 1973. Original members included sax player Paquito D'Riviera and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Irakere became known for its mix of traditional Cuban instruments and powerful contemporary jazz themes. They had a global reputation by the late 70s except in the US. Columbia wanted to sign them but had to work out a deal with the Cuban government. Irakere released two highly acclaimed albums and even won a Grammy. It all came to a halt when D'Riviera defected when Irakere was in Spain. Then Columbia jazz A & R head Bruce Lundvall was blamed and the deal was cancelled. Lundvall also helped Sandoval defect in 1990 and then signed Irakere to Blue Note in the 90s. Valdes continued Irakere and Live At Ronnie Scott's in London was released by World Pacific in 1991. Musicians include Carlos Averhoff & Cesar Lopez on sax, Juan Monguia & Adalberto Moreno on trumpet, Orlando Valle on flute, Carlos Morales on guitar, Carlos del Puerto on bass, Enrique Pla on drums and Miguel Dias & Carlos Valdes on percussion. Fans of high energy jazz will enjoy this CD. Irakere was finally allowed to appear in the US by the Cuban government in 1996. Chucho Valdes continues to enthrall jazz fans with his musicianship and he also reforms Irakere occasionally as well. Here's Irakere performing Explosion at the Newport Jazz Festival 1993.
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