Jazz Bata

by Scott YanowWith the exception of one song left off due to lack of space, this single CD reissues the music from two LPs featuring Chucho Valdés in Cuba. 1972's Jazz Bata, the first five selections, features the great pianist in a rhythm section with bassist Carlos del Puerto and Oscar Valdes on congas. The originals, which are straight-ahead jazz that utilizes Cuban polyrhythms, show off Valdés' wondrous technique well, and include one song named after Valdés' famous group "Irakere." While "Laureen" is an emotional out-of-tempo ballad, some of the other songs find the pianist making a great deal out of very little including the lengthy vamp piece "Son No. 2." He never seems to run out of ideas. The final five selections are from 1982 and have Valdés leading a five-piece rhythm section plus guest German Velasco playing soprano sax or flute on three numbers; Valdés takes "Son Para Leyanis" as a highly rhythmic piano solo. His "Claudia" is one of his best-known pieces, while the memorable "Zanaith" is on the same level. All in all, this is a superior reissue featuring some of Chucho Valdés' best piano recordings of the era.