Following on from the success of such exotic compilations as their Paz e Futebol (SK089CD/LP) and the German Jazz sampler, Focus Jazz - The Wewerka Archive 1966-1969 (SK108CD/LP) - JAZZANOVA recently brought out another very special collection with the subject being Cuban Jazz & Soul. The 18 track strong compilation takes in some of the finest in Cuban music from the last century. Now two of the stand-out tracks from the CD are available in alternative versions exclusively on Sonar Kollektiv's download portal Digital Kollektiv.
The Cuban Jazz & Soul compilation really is packed with the creme of the crop in Cuban Jazz music and Digital Kollektiv 014 is reflective of that. EMILIANO SALVADOR is one of those artists admired by all musicians and specially those playing the piano; he is what American Jazz men call a “pianist`s pianist“. SALVADOR has turned into a legend, not only among Cubans but also within the Afro-Caribbean and Latin Jazz enthusiasts. In 1978, EMILIANO recorded his first LP Nueva Vision, from which the title comes, as it’s precisely this work that makes him known worldwide. SALVADOR is heard tinkling the ivories in his unmistakable style on this delightful number Son en 7/4; only a musician of this high calibre names his song after the time signature!
The QUINTETO INSTRUMENTAL DE MUSICA MODERNA were one of the most important ensembles of their time and focused on playing popular Cuban tunes with jazz-type solos and Afro-Cuban rhythms - as can be heard on this classic track Gandinga, Mondongo y Sandunga. The Quintet was made up of exceptional musicians on their respective instruments: Frank Emilio Flynn (piano), Papito Hernández and then Cachaíto López (contrabass), Guillermo Barreto (drums and pailas), Tata Güines (conga) and Gustavo Tamayo (güiro). The group achieved their own unique style that was difficult to match, because of the ensemble play as well as the solos and the never-failing combination of “swing” with good taste.
JAZZANOVA's Cuban Jazz & Soul compilation again shows what an open-minded taste in music they have. And it is this first class taste in music that makes them one of the best A+R teams in the world and has led to so much great music being discovered, played out in clubs and ultimately released on their label Sonar Kollektiv. This Digital Kollektiv release sees JAZZANOVA going even further in the direction of world music - an under explored path that they do well to bring to today’s ears. Cuban Jazz music is gloriously happy music that will fill your life with sunshine. These tunes will please those already familiar with Cuban music as well as newcomers to the scene who want to find out more.