Customer Reviews

Varadero Blues

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first heard this album thirteen years ago, and it is one of Nueva Manteca's finest. Their rendition of Lee Morgan's Ceora is perfect. The solos, especially the trumpet solos, are very tasty. Both trumpet players (Toon de Gow and Jarmo Hogendijk-sp? i believe) are great players, with great ideas and gorgeous sound. Another favorite of mine is Macumbia. The song has what I can describe as a misterious sound that captivates you and leaves you wanting to hear more. April in Paris is one of the few merengues in latin jazz that I have heard. The improvised solos are enjoyable to listen to. Round Midnight is another one of those tunes that has a misterious sound to it. Again, the band shines in this tune because with their execution, they are able to captivate your attention. What I am trying to say is the band executes the music so well, that they force you to stop whatever you are doing to listen to them. This is the first Nueva Manteca album I listened to, and my first impression was the band was from my native Puerto Rico, or from the Caribbean. In my opinion, this band plays latin jazz better than many latin bands I have listened to. In summary, this is one of the Nueva Manteca albums you MUST have in your collection. The other one you MUST have is Afrodisia.

I like all of Nueva Manteca's recordings but this is the one that make me a fan. I was amazed when I heard this CD for the first time like 10 years ago. Jazz classics played in an authentic Latin way by European musicians. Must have, not 5 stars, 10 stars.

Check out April In Paris played as a merengue.