MACHITO
Kenya (Roulette Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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This 1958 release was a typical offering from Machito, the Cuban singer/ bandleader. This time out, his Afro-Cuban orchestra was peppered with significant names from the Latin jazz scene and beyond, including Cannonball Adderly, Joe Newman, Doc Cheatham and Candido. Eleven of the twelve tracks were new compositions, with Chano Pozo's "Tin Tin Deo" rounding out the selections.

All of the tracks were timed for contemporary airplay, with the title track taking up the most time at 3:26. Just as significantly, they were timed to conclude before the dancers became too fatigued, this being first and foremost dance music. The limited time given to the cuts put the emphasis on the ensemble rather than the soloists, but it's hard to dance to most extended solos anyway. The principle drawback is that the resulting album comes in a bit short by CD standards, at about 37 minutes. Still, it's 37 minutes of classic Latin dance sounds under the direction of a recognized master of the form. It stands as a fine introduction to Machito's "Cubop" style.

Track List:

Wild Jungle * Congo Mulence * Kenya * Oyeme * Holiday * Cannonology * Frenzy * Blues A La Machito * Conversation * Tin Tin Deo * Minor Rama * Tururato

© 2000 - Shaun Dale