Yemaya
2004
The Latin Jazz Sides
About This Album
A true giant of Cuban music, Chucho Valdes has also been one of the world's top jazz pianists during the past few decades. Doble Gigante has a strong sampling of his work from several different time periods. The opening "Chorrino" is a trio outing from 1997 and there are three quartet showcases from 1965 that show that Valdes had his own original style from early in his career. The remainder of this CD is from 1978. "Este Camino Largo" is an excellent duet with altoist Paquito D'Rivera and "Mambo Influenciado" puts trumpeter Arturo Sandoval in the spotlight. The other eight selections feature Irakere, the Cuban jazz/world music group that Valdes founded and led for many years. Some of the selections are danceable salsa rather than jazz, but there are also some stirring performances along with a generous sampling of Valdes' piano. While not for completists, Doble Gigante serves as an excellent introduction to the music and playing of Chucho Valdes. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10 and 11)

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