Search - Sabu Martinez :: Palo Congo

Arsenio Rodriguez' Blistering Guitar

barry | Yountville, US, Canada | 03/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While it's not listed as such, this is an Arsenio Rodriguez recording. One of the gread popular guitarists of the twentieth century, and the innovative bandleader who changed the face of and modernized Cuban son, Rodriguez is best known for his recordings from the 40s that have been repressed by Tumbao Records. This recording is much better produced; the sound is exceedingly clear, and Rodriguez' solos show the why of his legendary reputation. Just listen to his blistering and out of this world lead on Rhapsodia del Maravilloso (Rhapsody of the Marvelous, a send up of the Cuban standard, Manicero. It's worth the price of this low-priced Rodriguez recording."

Nice back-to-basics Afro-Cuban roots record

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 03/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jazz percussionist Sabu Martinez went back to basics in this improvisational exploration of the Afro-Cuban drumming. Along with him is Cuban "son" legend Arsenio Rodriguez, one of the most fiery Cuban player of the 1940s and '50s. You have to come at this album from a Afro-Cuban standpoint, rather than from the jazz camp... If you see it as a traditional record, that's when you'll be able to hear the energy and innovation."