IRAKERE - Live at Ronnie Scott's (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In Irakere's earlier days, this premiere Cuban group often had to disguise the fact that they were playing imperalistic music from the West (i.e. jazz). Maybe now the masquerade is no longer necessary for the music on this definitive CD would never be mistaken for anything else. Heavily influenced both by Dizzy Gillespie and the rhythms of Cuba and South America, the 11-piece group is in top form interpreting the compositions of its pianist/leader Chuco Valdes (who has a memorable workout on "Mr. Bruce"). Five of the six selections are primaily features for individual players. Throughout this memorable set, the ensemble work is clean and loose, the percussionists keep the proceedings fiery and the soloists are excellent. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Neurosis 12:27
Chucho Valdés
2     Cuando Canta el Corazon (When My Heart Sings) 8:00
Chucho Valdés
3     Mirando Arriba (Looking Up) 7:20
Chucho Valdés
4     Flute Notes 12:58
Chucho Valdés
5     Mr. Bruce 11:40
Chucho Valdés
6     Claudia 8:51
Chucho Valdés
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – César López
Arranged By – Jesus Valdés (faixas: 1 to 6)
Bass – Carlos del Puerto
Composed By – Jesus Valdés (faixas: 1 to 6)
Congas – Miguel "Angá" Díaz
Drums – Enrique Plá
Flute – Orlando "Maraca" Valle
Guitar – Carlos Emilio Morales
Keyboards – Orlando "Maraca" Valle
Percussion – Enrique Plá, Oscar Valdés
Piano – Jesus Valdés
Soprano Saxophone – César López
Tenor Saxophone – Carlos Averhoff
Trumpet – Adalberto Lara, Juan Munguia
Vocals – Oscar Valdés