Customer Reviews

Discovery: Live at Montreux

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This disk explodes out of the gates and does not let up. Gonzolo shows respect for jazz while infusing it with his own Cuban touch. He has a powerful even muscular technique that works very well on these compositions. Some people may complain of too many notes but I really have to disagree. This is exciting music to listen to. He stretches out with some real flurries of notes and has fun with it. I love this disk!

Rubalcaba is an overwhelming talent, and this, one of his earliest CD's, is a blistering assault on the jazz piano tradition--especially witness "Well, You Needn't," and "All the Things You Are." His insistence on using every color on the palette at once makes for difficult listening at times, but the extra effort is worth it, because Rubalcaba is more than just another virtuoso: his playing combines the thoughtfulness of Keith Jarrett with the unrelenting attack of Cecil Taylor (if Taylor played tonal music, that is).

It's hard to believe that this CD was released in 1991, as I listen to it now (2004) it seems like I just brought it yesterday. Thats how you know that you have a brillant piece of music. Almost 14 years old and you can still find something fresh about this amazing performance. In my opinion it is one of the best piano performances of all time, and mind you this is a trio date with the great charlie haden and paul motian who are icons in the field of jazz, but Mr. Rubalacaba could have been playing with Ben&Jerry and you would still walk away shaking your head at his total command of the Piano. The cuban pianist(Rubalcaba, Valdes etc...) bring a fresh and exciting rhythmic concept to the piano that really exposes it as a percussion instrument. This is a must hear for any piano enthusiast, jazz or classical.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba's versatility, profound sentiment and admirable fingering will leave you hold to your seat.

This live performance has a formidable version of the classic "Well, you needn't 2 original of Thelonius Monk: Rubalcaba displays a true tiour de force with his improvisations and cadenzas

Velas is a soft ballad superbly played. Prologo comienzo is an experimental piece that eventually will lead us to a impressive piece of visible Latin flavor. Without any doubt, this is one of the most fabulous themes of the album.

First song is the most introspective piece that finds in Gonzalo a first caliber soloist, profoundly committed with this lovable, fascinating and kaleidoscopic piece, these eighths, superb arpeggios and delirious cantabiles make of this piece one of my favorite ones.

"Joao" is (in my opinion) the most radiant and emblematic work of this legendary album.

The classic "All the things you are" in hands of this formidable artist receives a very refreshing and overwhelming treatment, filled of surprising rhythmical twists and that enraptured radiance from start to finish.

Absolutely recommended.