Search - Roberto Carcasses :: Invitation

Hot on the heels of arranging and performing on Selma Reis's introspective homage to romantic Cuban boleros The Air of Havana, pianist Roberto Carcassés extroverts himself with high-energy jazz that hones the sharp edge of traditional Cuban music. The descarga "Llego, Llego" kicks off the disc with the flare of Mario "El Indio" Hernandez and Yazek Manzano's tandem trumpets, smoothing the way for a piano tribute to piano-man composer Hilario Durán that's capped by Irakere's Alfredo Thompson on tenor sax. "Monk's Mood" syncopates the Thelonius Monk classic, taking an already up-tempo composition and flinging it into near delirium. The improvised "Descargasses (Ochun)" builds from Pancho Terry's chant to the Orishas as handclaps, good vibes, and rippling piano hold the jam together. Carcassés is one of the finest Cuban pianists and arrangers around, never stooping to convention while staying just this side of the familiar, and the varied material here shows off his melodic gifts to the hilt. --Bob Tarte