Great high energy stuff. I am fortunate to have the two original lp’s that this "best of" compilation comes from; they were sent to me by a relative in Cuba. After years of practically prohibiting Jazz in state-sponsored musical groups, the Cuban govenrment decided to create an image, for propaganda reasons, that Cuba was a free and open society and created and funded what would become "Irakere".
**** Chucho barely gets a mention. What’s up with that? ****
This compilation was released in 1994. Both Paquito and Sandoval had already made well publicized defections from Cuba, were living in the USA and were well on their way to becoming stars. Chucho, the band’s leader and probably best musician of all, remained in Cuba. Less flamboyant as an entertainer then Paquito or Sandoval, it wasn’t until years later that he would become an international star with the Cuban government’s blessings.
I agree about the Mozart thingy. The "Mozart theme" is the Adagio (2nd mvt.) from the Mozart clarinet concerto. I like Paquito’s playing, but this is kinda tasteless playing; have always hated it.
The real thing:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fFEt10lDo2s
**** Chucho barely gets a mention. What’s up with that? ****
This compilation was released in 1994. Both Paquito and Sandoval had already made well publicized defections from Cuba, were living in the USA and were well on their way to becoming stars. Chucho, the band’s leader and probably best musician of all, remained in Cuba. Less flamboyant as an entertainer then Paquito or Sandoval, it wasn’t until years later that he would become an international star with the Cuban government’s blessings.
I agree about the Mozart thingy. The "Mozart theme" is the Adagio (2nd mvt.) from the Mozart clarinet concerto. I like Paquito’s playing, but this is kinda tasteless playing; have always hated it.
The real thing:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fFEt10lDo2s