2010-08-12
Cuban jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca delivers a fine syncopated set of instrumental numbers, sprinkled with a few vocal cuts from Cape Verde songstress (on #4), American Raul Midon (on #12), and his mother on #1 (plus some of his own rhythmic wailing on #11). The album's Yoruba-language title is translated as "Heart" and the record was recorded in Havana. Fonseca's playing has been labeled a combination of "precise rhythm and intense emotion" and that's an apt description of what one hears. He's all over the piano keys, from the lowest to the highest, and he makes excellent use of his sidemen to punctuate the rhythm or underscore the emotion. Highlights abound, but for variety try the fluidity of "Lo Que" (#2), the flute-packed European ambiance of "Bulgaria" (#5), the racing tempo of "Lento" (#6) and the snap of "El Ritmo" (#11). This is a very talented pianist; let's not embargo his music. 08/10 Michael J.FRANK ROSALY
Cicada Music
John Scofield
That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles
Panthelion
Life After 339
MILES DAVIS
The Complete On the Corner Sessions
JAZZ PISTOLS
Superstring
PEARL DJANGO
Modern Times
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