Description
First issue on CD of the legendary concert and released in Irakere’s 40th anniversary year
“This CD is an example of Irakere in the second part of the 90´s, when the band was focused a little more on dancing rhythms.
It was a great experience!!!” (Chucho Valdés, 2013)
IRAKERE
Chucho Valdés piano & director
Leo Vera vocals
Carlos Manuel vocals
Mayra Caridad Valdés * vocal
José Miguel Meléndez percussion & vocal
Juan Munguía trumpet
Adalberto Lara ‘Trompetica’ trumpet
César López alto saxophone
Alfredo Thompson tenor saxophone
Carlos D´l Puerto bass
Enrique Plá drums
Andrés Miranda ‘El Negrón’ congas
1. Pare cochero
2. Mister Bruce
3. La Explosion
4. Yemayá *
5. Tema del gordo
6. Lo Que Va a Pasar
Recording / broadcast date: 27 May 1995
Recording venue: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Birmingham, UK
Original BBC broadcast producer: Derek Drescher
Remastering engineer: Ian Jones (Abbey Road Studios)
CD issue producer: FHR
Liner notes: John Armstrong
Release date: 15 April 2013
Total duration: 1 hrs 01 mins 39 secs
Originally broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, this is Irakere at their very best as an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble, appealing to both jazz and dance fans.
Press Quotes
“It makes a great feel-good live album, giving the listener the sense of being at the performance… extremely tight and dynamic band... “ (**** Jazz Journal)
“All in all, this is an important document of mid-90s Afro-Cuba…” (Songlines Magazine)
“This release is the perfect way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of probably the most influential and greatest Afro-Latin jazz band of all time, Irakere… This rhythmical gem is a vivid example of the mastery of Irakere, The Volcano of the Caribbean. Watch out because the Earth is going to tremble; I hope the volcano catches you ready to dance and shout freely se baila sabroso!”
(Latin Jazz Network)
“Chucho’s piano is excellent in the opening Pare cochero and the percussion is exciting. Leo Vera sings with passion… La Explosion provides space for individual musicians to show their paces, with Chucho and tenorist Alfredo Thompson outstanding.” (Musicweb-International)
