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ARTURO SANDOVAL
Ronnie Scott's Jazz House (DCC)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale
Despite the title, this one isn't part of the "Live At Ronnie Scott's" series DCC has been putting out. Legendary Cuban trumpet player Arturo Sandoval laid these tracks down in a London studio, not at the fabled London jazz club, but that notwithstanding, it's a solid and diverse set that shows off several sides of Sandoval's impressive talent.
Sandoval fronts a sextet of Cuban players through material that ranges from the almost straight pop interpretation of "Saving All My Love" to some surprisingly fusiony originals like "El Misterioso" and "Alo Chicoy," the latter co-written by his guitarist, Jorge Chicoy, who lends much of the fusion feel. Keyboardist Hilario Duran Torres shares the spotlight on the Hoagy Carmichael standard "Georgia On My Mind," which is given an emotive and romantic turn.
The group is rounded out by an outstanding rhythm section that includes bassist Jorge Reyes Hernandez, drummer Bernardo Garcia Carreras and percussionist Reinaldo Velera Del Monte. Together, they answer the musical question "What becomes a legend most?"
Arturo Sandoval is indeed a legend, and the subject of a recent HBO bio pic, but that legend is rooted in impressive chops, which are well displayed here.
Track List:
El Misterioso * Saving All My Love * Sambeando * Reggae * Alo Chicoy * Georgia On My Mind * My Love * Libertao Carnaval
© 2001 - Shaun Dale