Live at the Village Vanguard [Live, Import]

Chucho Valdes | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 11, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 11, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live, Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B00004S9P0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #148,782 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #87 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Brazilian & Latin Jazz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pay attention to the Music, not the Sound Quality!, May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Live at the Village Vanguard (Audio CD)

I have to agree with the previous reviewer: I am a bit disappointed in the overall sound quality, especially that the piano is too low and the percussion is much too high. But maybe that's the way Chucho wanted it, since the percussion figures so strongly in his music... But whatever the reason, this cd deserves much more than the score given by the previous reviewer. I listened to this cd in Tower Records one day, and I was so blown away that I could not have walked out of the store without picking it up. Chucho and his group are simply amazing on each one of these tracks. His swirling, rapid-fire lines and incredibly powerful chords will have you shaking your head in disbelief. The selection of tunes is very good too, from traditional latin tunes to a great version of my funny valentine, to the mind-blowing and funky "To Bud Powell" with classic bebop quotes left and right, and there's even a cool vocal. If you're a fan of Chucho then you know that this is a great disc, and if you're just a fan of great piano playing and great music in general, this is one that you'll listen to over and over. If you actually care about music you will thoroughly enjoy this cd and not even notice the poor sound mix.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome CD from a non-jazz fan....., November 11, 2005

By 

Surface to Air Missle (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Live at the Village Vanguard (Audio CD)

I'm not a huge jazz fan. I own almost none and don't go out of my way to listen. So when my brother gave me this CD I was surprised at how quickly I came to love it.

I know absolutely nothing about Chucho but apparently he is one of the "heavy hitters" of jazz. Most of songs are piano driven and there is a great mix of slow smooth songs and frantic piano playing. Some of the songs sound like salsa and none are ever boring which is usually the problem for me with jazz. There is some singing but it's mostly instrumental.

I would recommend this CD to the non-jazz fan looking for something different. This CD is great anywhere and also makes good background music. It's the type of thing you might hear and enjoy (but not recognize) in a coffee house or bookstore.

Bottom Line: A good intro and some serious genre transcending jazz.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Upbeat and exciting, November 6, 2001

By 

G. Sawaged - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live at the Village Vanguard (Audio CD)

Firstly, I can't understand why some reviewers are complaining about the sound quality. I think the sound is amazing, on both my little portable cd player as well as my big surround sound system. This is my first introduction to Chucho, and I simply love it. The wonderful latin percussion and rythmn, as well as the fire and energy emanating from Chucho's brilliant piano playing. Track 6 "Drume Negrita", Chucho's sister, Mayra Caridad Valdes, joins in with a stunning vocal. I really cannot say enough good things about this album. Highly recommended!