“Nueva Vision” – Various Artists (Sonar Kollektiv) [ALBUM]

TITLE: Nueva Vision: Latin Jazz & soul from The Cuban Label EGREM/AREITO / ARTIST: Various Artists / LABEL: Sonar Kollektiv / RELEASE DATE: 12th November / CAT NO: SK166CD/jazzclub

Following on from the success of “Forum West”, “Focus Jazz” and “Romanian Jazz”, is “Nueva Vision”, an intoxicating collection of Cuban Jazz from the Egrem/Areito label. This 18 track strong compilation presents some of the finest in Cuban music from the last century, with great names from the Cuban scene such as Chucho Valdés, Omara Portuondo and Bobby Carcasses to name but a few.

The much-celebrated pianist Chucho Valdés – son of bandleader Bebo – founded the experimental Grupo Irakere in 1973. As a solo artist he is represented with two tracks, opening the compilation with “La Sombra”, and returning later with the rich piano-saxophone duel, “Triton”. Meanwhile, his band Grupo Irakere‘s track “Juana 1600” fuses the traditional Cuban sounds with the breaks of soul and funk. The horns are explosive and the rhythm’s frenetic – this song will make you sweat!

The beautifully sung music of Tema 4 sound like Burt Bacharach’s chase scene soundtrack from Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid. Tema 4 are also represented on the compilation with another song: gorgeous harmonies, a slightly out-of-tune guitar and some interesting changes characterise the short but sweet song “Yayabo”, which also appears on the 12″ single to accompany the CD’s release.

Emiliano Salvador is an artists admired by all musicians and especially those playing the piano; he is what American Jazz men call a “pianist’s pianist”. In 1978, he recorded his first LP “Nueva Visión” (from which the title track comes) and it’s precisely this work that makes him known worldwide. Salvador is also heard tinkling the ivories in his unmistakable style on the delightful number “Son en 7/4”; only a musician of this calibre names his song after the time signature!

A member of the important Cuarteto D’Aida during the ’50s and ’60s, Omara Portuondo was the only female voice on the Buena Vista Social Club album. So her “Soy Cubano” really had to be on this compilation.

The legendary Bobby Carcasses is one of Cuba’s most revered jazz musicians. A fitred performer, recording artist, and entertainer, Bobby is also an extremely versatile multi-instrumentalist. His astonishing tune “Emiliano 1ro” is based on a classic salsa rhythm and carries the listener along at a typically fast pace.

Some of the best songs in the genre are gathered together here on this collection that’s guaranteed to please those already familiar with Cuban music and those unfamiliar to the scene. Jazzanova and Erik Ott’s “Nueva Vision” compilation is packed full with greats from the Cuban scene, functioning as the perfect reference for those who really want to know where it’s at in Cuban Jazz. It is gloriously happy music that will fill your life with sunshine.

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If you would like some more information or you want to preview or review this release and would like to receive a promo copy, please contact sophie@rocketsciencemedia.com or simon@rocketsciencemedia.com