Search - Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes :: Straight Ahead

Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes
Straight Ahead
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop, Latin Music

Track Listings (6) - Disc #1
1. King Pete's Heart
2. My Funny Valentine
3. Mambo Influenciado
4. Claudia
5. Blues 88
6. Blue Monk

CD Details

All Artists: Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes
Title: Straight Ahead
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Jazz House Records
Release Date: 8/1/1995
Album Type: Import
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop, Latin Music
Styles: Caribbean & Cuba, Cuba, Latin Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 751848610721

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval first captured attention outside his native Cuba with the dynamic band Irakere. Here he's paired with Irakere cofounder Chucho Valdés, and there's excitement and a comfortable familiarity in the air as they dig into a program set solidly in the bop mainstream. Sandoval can throw off cascades of blistering, whistling high notes that recall Maynard Ferguson, as on "Mambo Influenciado," but he's also a master of subtler sounds. His close-miked, Harmon-muted playing on "My Funny Valentine" reveals a bittersweet Miles Davis-like lyricism. Pianist Valdés is an ideal partner, playing with the same confidence, swing, and élan that animate Sandoval. Ron Matthewson on bass and Martin Drew on drums provide solid support. --Stuart Broomer

CD Reviews

A great introduction to Arturo Sandoval.

JetTone12 | USA | 11/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album, which features Arturo and the Chucho Valdes Trio (Chucho on piano, Ron Mathewson on bass and Martin Drew on drums), is an instant classic. This album was recorded before Arturo left Cuba for the United States, and was actually recorded in England. While it doesn't seem as if quite as many people have heard this one, there should be more people who have heard it. This album has the spark and virtuosity that is Arturo Sandoval, and is considered by many who really know his work, to be some of his best. This album combines all of his many facets: scream trumpet, latin sounds and rhythms, melodic ballad work, jazz improvisation and astounding technique. The album opens up with a lively "King Pete's Heart", which features Arturo playing some good stuff and interacting well with the group. He solos masterfully with a Miles Davis influence on "My Funny Valentine", close to the microphone and everything. This proves Arturo's versatility alone. Chucho and the band provide excellent support throughout. "Mambo Influencianado" will surely blow your socks off. This tune goes through some extremely amazing tempo and mood contrasts, and Arturo's solo is unbelievable! He uses his fast playing and technique wonderfully here, and reaches into the stratosphere. On "Claudia", the band swings with a nice tempo and take it back to a more laid-back approach, and Arturo plays some cool licks aided by the group, and plays some awesome blues licks on "Blues 88". However, my personal favorite is the rendition of "Blue Monk" simply because of the great Arturo solo, he just rips right through it, jumping registers as well as anyone. This under-rated classic should be in any Arturo Sandoval fan's collection. This is some great trumpet playing."