RAMÓN VALLE TRIO — No Escape (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although pianist Ramón Valle (who contributed all 11 selections), bassist Omar Rodríguez Calvo, and drummer Liber Torriente were all born originally in Cuba and are masterful with polyrhythms, the music that they perform on No Escape is more post-bop jazz than it is Latin or Afro-Cuban jazz. Valle's style recalls Herbie Hancock of the 1960s at times, although it is fairly original. Working closely with his sidemen, Valle performs pieces that are often dark, complex, and a bit dissonant but not without their lighthearted moments. Of these, "El Vigia" is an inventive jazz waltz, the lengthy "Andar por Dentro" sounds mysterious, and "Brindemos" swings hard in its fashion. None of these originals are destined to become standards, but they certainly do challenge the musicians, who somehow often sound as one, following each other telepathically and creating stirring music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    El Vigia    5:20
2    De Vuelta A Casa    5:50
3    Fourty Degrees    4:40
4    Viva Coltrane    6:04
5    Andar Por Dentro    11:12
6    Ilegal    4:57
7    Alice Blues    4:51
8    Clouds    3:55
9    Kimbara Pá Ñico    5:27
10    Brindemos    5:06
11    Pesadilla    5:40
Credits :
Ramón Valle - Piano
Omar Rodríguez Calvo - Bass
Liber Torriente - Drums