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This is a soundtrack from
an HBO film released in 2000 about the life of Arturo Sandoval, a genius jazz musician
and composer from Castro’s Cuba.
Arturo Sandoval was influenced by Dizzy
Gillespie, and this disc is rich with brass, bongos, congas, and outstanding guitar. But
most impressive are the trumpet solos, which will swirl around you and lift you
heavenward when you’re not laughing from the sheer brilliance of
them.
Although this disc is mainly instrumental, these trumpets
speak. The vocals are all in Spanish, but the liners will give you a
translation.
“Canta Trompeta Querida,” which translates to “Sing My
Beloved Trumpet,” is fluid and surprisingly upbeat, considering the darkness of the
lyrics. This track, my favorite on the album, incorporates three different styles of
Cuban music including Son, Charanga, and Timba.
“Blues for Diz,” written
by Arturo Sandoval as a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, is far from bluesy and features an
amazing trumpet solo and dazzling scat.
The final track is a shining
interpretation of the popular “Guantanemera.” This song is described by Arturo Sandoval
as Cuba’s second national anthem. When reading the English translation of the lyrics, I
was surprised to learn that this upbeat piece sings of a cry for
liberation.
This impressive collection of Afro-Cuban jazz is warm, exotic,
and flourishing with fine musicianship.
