El Arte del Sabor

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They are the holy trinity of Latin jazz: pianist Bebo Valdés, the music director of the Tropicana and father of Chucho Valdés; bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez, the mambo and descarga innovator; and percussionist Carlos "Patato" Valdes, who played with greats from Cuba to California. These masters were showcased in the documentary and soundtrack Calle 54. On this CD, which translates as "The Art of Flavor," they sprinkle zesty Afro-Caribbean seasonings on 17 swinging Cuban classics. Tunes like "Lamento Cubano," "Son de la Loma," and "Negro de Sociedad" are interpreted as tasty trio arrangements. Alto saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera adds his sophisticated solos to the compositions "Priquitin Pin Pon," "Ogguere," and "Romance en la Habana." Bebo Valdes's elegant ivory ticklings on the Cubop-tinged hit, "Route 66," pays homage to the great Nat "King" Cole, who recorded Holiday in Havana with Valdes in the '50s. All told, this selection offers a sonic snapshot of Cuba's elegant pre-Revolutionary jazz scene. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Tracks:

Lamento Cubano
Son de la Loma
El Maranon
Bolero Potpourri
Priquitin Pin Pon
Negro De Sociedad
Buche Y Pluma "Na ma"
El Reloj De Pastora
Conga Potpurri
Ogguere
Pare Cochero
Cumbanchero
Si Llego A Besarte
Guaracha Potpourri
Romance En La Habana
Route 66
Adios Panama Para Vigo Me Voy

Amazon.com

They are the holy trinity of Latin jazz: pianist Bebo Valdés, the music director of the Tropicana and father of Chucho Valdés; bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez, the mambo and descarga innovator; and percussionist Carlos "Patato" Valdes, who played with greats from Cuba to California. These masters were showcased in the documentary and soundtrack Calle 54. On this CD, which translates as "The Art of Flavor," they sprinkle zesty Afro-Caribbean seasonings on 17 swinging Cuban classics. Tunes like "Lamento Cubano," "Son de la Loma," and "Negro de Sociedad" are interpreted as tasty trio arrangements. Alto saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera adds his sophisticated solos to the compositions "Priquitin Pin Pon," "Ogguere," and "Romance en la Habana." Bebo Valdes's elegant ivory ticklings on the Cubop-tinged hit, "Route 66," pays homage to the great Nat "King" Cole, who recorded Holiday in Havana with Valdes in the '50s. All told, this selection offers a sonic snapshot of Cuba's elegant pre-Revolutionary jazz scene. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Bebo! So Latin, so great!.......2006-12-05

If you like Bebo, this recording is a must have! Mellow, soulful, alive! It's 17 tracks of vintage stuff. And, I think the album is no longer available (out of print)? Look for it used (it's worth the price).

The Trio is composed of the great pianist Bebo Valdes, master congero Carlos "Patato" Valdes and the legendary bass player Israel Lopez "Cachao".

A very high quality recording, and each track is tastefully done. Gets even better as you listen more and more - lots to hear! Highly recommended.

Wonderful must have for Cuban music lovers.......2004-03-31

Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Cuban/Latin Jazz music. I have been to a Chucho Valdes live concert and I 've been hooked ever since... Both Bebo (his father) and him are wonderful musicians.
It is a true delight!

Gentle, terrific music.......2003-03-25

This CD is like sitting on a swing on a summer day -- gentle and fun. There's a lot to be savoured here. It's like a Latin lullaby.

saboring el arte del Sabor.......2002-03-05

I've been hooked on the old Cubans since I took a chance on BVSC before the hype caught on. Discovered Cachao around the time Andy Garcia found him. And have filled my CD collection with a motley assortment of winners (and a few losers.) I am convinced there are seven melodies that get recycled on every CD. And everyone has a slightly different take on it. That said, this is an incredibly satisfying disc that reflects the average 150 years of experience brought to the session by these guys. Maybe the precision of their youth is missing - but none of the passion is. There's an ease and familiarity and comfort level of old friends making their favorite music come alive. And as for Cachao - his bowing is more immediate in this small group than it is in his Master Sessions CDs - even though he was fronting the orchestra then and is supporting Valdes here. Overall, a wonderful low key (as low key as latin music can be), and satisfying listen.

Remembrance of things past (with Paquito).......2002-02-23

This is an indispensable CD for lovers of Cuban music (not to speak of cuban lovers of cuban music). All of the cuts except Route 66, are music that we have heard since childhood. And they sound that way even when they are not played in the traditional way. You want to know why Chucho Valdes plays like he does? Listen to his Dad here. This is a CD not to be missed.

Average customer rating:

A CD that is SABROSO!

El Arte del Sabor
Bebo Valdes Trio
Manufacturer: Emi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005J9II
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

Lamento Cubano
Son De La Loma
El Maranon
Bolero Popurri: Se Fue/Quizas, Quizas, Quizas/Aurora
Priquitin Pin Pon
Negro De Sociedad
Buche Y Pluma 'Na Ma'
El Reloj De Pastora
Conga Popurri: Mirala Que Lindo Viene/Las Bolleras (Adios Mama)/Los Dandy/La Chambelona/Unda, Do Y Tres
Ogguere
Pare Cochero
Cumbanchero
Si Llego A Besarte
Guaracha Popurri: Virgen De La Regla/Ay Que Me Vengo Cayendo/Para Camaguey Se Va Panchita/En Manzanillo Se Baila El Son/A La Loma De Belen/Se Acabo La Choricera/Cabo De La Guardia
Romance En La Habana
Route 66
Adios Panama Para Vigo Me Voy

Customer Reviews:

A CD that is SABROSO!.......2002-02-13

So where to start with this CD? To call it a masterpiece would be an understatement. This is definitely a worthwhile CD (and purchase). The personnel consists of old, seasoned veterans of latin jazz. The bandleader is 83-year-old pianist Bebo Valdes, the bass player is Israel López, known as "Cachao" (also 83) and 75-year-old Carlos "Patato" Valdés is the percussionist. El Arte del Sabor, which translates as "The Art of Flavor" is fresh and alive and tough-minded. To my ears, this album is the finest Latin jazz release of 2001 and it shows and you can hear a certain type of amicable intimacy between the players. Paquito D'Rivera stops by on sax for three numbers and does a good job on these tracks.

The true gem of this CD lies in the original trio of Bebo, Cachao and Patato and in the wonderful sound quality this CD exudes in every single track. The playing is tight and very refined. After listening to this CD time and time again the only complaint I have is that there is only 1 CD. After a few listenings you will be craving more of these true maestros of music. If you enjoy or are interested in this album please check out "Lagrimas Negras by Bebo & Cigala" and "Calle 54 - The Original Soundtrack" as they are also worthy of praise, both for content and sound quality.

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