CHICO O'FARRILL - Carambola (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The astounding comeback of Chico O'Farrill at age 79 continued with this terrific collection of mostly Afro-Cuban styled compositions -- some brand-new, some more than half a century old. Originally written for Dizzy Gillespie, the swinging title tune takes on a more complex Afro-Cuban treatment this time, with Michael Mossman capably taking on the trumpet work. "The Aztec Suite," written for Art Farmer, comes together smoothly and cohesively, with even more spectacular work by Mossman -- and "Crazy City (...But I Love It)" is "Gone City" (recorded by Machito in 1949) in a more refined, shipshape, somewhat less frantic performance. The oldest piece, "Oye Mi Rumba" (1945), lures singer Graciela out of retirement for some endearingly authentic atmosphere. Don't overlook newer material like O'Farrill's treatment of "Delirio" -- a beautiful bolero, very sophisticated in harmony -- and "Rhapsody for Two Islands," a flamboyant little piece designed to evoke Cuba and Manhattan with a sudden, broadly-paced solo piano break that explicitly quotes "Rhapsody in Blue." Yet the highlight of the CD is undoubtedly the amazingly successful re-recording of O'Farrill's visionary "Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite," 50 years after the original Machito version was cut. His crisply executing 21st Century orchestra makes the material seem even more emotionally moving than before, although you do miss the impossibly fluid alto of Charlie Parker (guest soloist Mario Rivera makes an honorable stab at Bird's part) and irreplaceably wild Buddy Rich drums from the Machito record. This is a must-hear for Latin jazz lovers. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist :
1     Carambola 5:18
Dizzy Gillespie / Chico O'Farrill
2     The Aztec Suite 15:10
Chico O'Farrill
3     Delirio 4:24
César Portillo De La Luz / Cesar Narciso De Luz Portillo
4     Havana Blues 5:28
Chico O'Farrill
5     Vanna's Song 3:21
Chico O'Farrill
6     Crazy City (... But I Love It) 3:56
Chico O'Farrill
7     Waller Excercise 1:47
Chico O'Farrill
8     Rhapsody for Two Islands 3:34
Chico O'Farrill
9     Oye Mi Rumba 2:19
Chico O'Farrill
10     Enamorado (Falling in Love) 4:46
Chico O'Farrill
11     Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite 15:53
Chico O'Farrill
Credits :
Bass – Andy Gonzalez
Bongos, Bells – Joe Gonzalez
Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor – Chico O'Farrill
Conductor, Music Director, Piano – Arturo O'Farrill
Congas, Wood Block, Bells – Roland Guerrero
Drums, Timbales, Percussion, Bata, Shekere, Congas, Maracas, Claves – Steve Barrios
Guest, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Mario Rivera (faixas: 8, 11)
Guest, Bass – John Benitez (faixas: 3, 5, 7)
Guest, Chorus – Sandra Rodriguez (faixas: 9), Yolanda Maldonado (faixas: 9)
Guest, Drums – Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez (faixas: 10), Victor Jones (2) (faixas: 3, 5, 7)
Guest, French Horn – Chris Komer (faixas: 2), Vincent Chancey (faixas: 2)
Guest, Violin – Lewis Kahn (faixas: 5)
Guest, Vocals – Graciela (faixas: 9)
Saxophone – Jimmy Cozier, Marshall McDonald, Max Schweiger, Mike Migliore, Peter Brainin
Trombone – Gary Valente, Jack Jeffers, Papo Vázquez, Sam Burtis
Trumpet – Jim Seeley, Jon Owens, Kenny Rampton, Matt Hilgenberg, Michael Mossman