Suite 4 Y 20

by Scott YanowRecorded in Spain, this excellent set by the remarkable Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba features his working group (trumpeter Reynaldo Melian, electric bassist Felipe Cabrera and drummer Julio Barreto) along with guest bassist Charlie Haden on four songs. The repertoire includes several pieces by Cuban composers, five of Rubalcaba's originals, "Perfidia," "Love Letters," Haden's "Our Spanish Love Song" and The Beatles' "Here, There and Everywhere." Gonzalo Rubalcaba shows maturity and self-restraint throughout much of this disc, performing a well-rounded set of advanced music.