Search - Various Artists :: Forbidden Cuba In The '60s: Pianoforte, Vol. 1

No Longer Forbidden!

Thomas Pena | Brooklyn, NY USA | 06/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pianoforte (Volume 1 - recorded in the 1960's) focuses on three influential Cuban piano masters: Rafael Somavilla, Felo Bergaza and the incomparable Jesus "Chucho" Valdes. Rafael Somavilla Jr. was a pianist, arranger, composer and orchestra director. Somavilla Jr. started to work as a pianist with musical groups referred to as "Matanceras." During the 1950's he did very important work as an arranger of popular music, creating various works such as "Requiem." He traveled to various countries representing Cuba. He was born in Matanzas in 1927 and died in 1980. Tracks: "Viernes," A La Loma de Belen" and "Evaconile."Felo Bergaza was born in Trinidad, Cuba in 1916. By the age of 6 years old he was playing the violin but eventually switched to piano. By the age of 12, he was playing live music for movies, often playing original tunes instead of the required cover music. By age 14, he left his family to travel to La Habana where he played with in the Ernesto Lecuona show (another Cuban keyboard master.) He was an excellent composer, vocalist and was well known for his renditions of classical and popular music. Throughout his life, he spread Cuban musical culture all over the world. He died in 1966. Tracks: "Debi Llorar," "Cuando Mas te Comprendo," Te Espero en la Eternidad" and "Me Encontraras."Jesus "Chucho" Valdes is known as one of the foremost piano players in the world. He began playing piano at an early age under the tutelage of his father, keyboard master Bebo Valdes. He became an accomplished piano player before the age of 20 playing in various jazz combos. In the 1960's he organized a band that introduced many innovations to Cuban music, "La Orquesta Cubana de Musica." A few years later he founded the world famous "Irakere." These days, Chucho continues to travel the world over, spreading his own unique, innovative blend of Cubano Jazz. Tracks: "Chiquitico," "Mambo Influenciado," and "Descarga Para Ti." This series is destined to be a collector's item. For keyboard aficionado's or otherwise, this is classic Cuban music. For Chucho Valdes fans, this is rare (early) Chucho!Listen and enjoy!"