Yemaya

Irakere | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B00000HYBQ
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,568 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #2 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba
  • #38 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Cuba
  • #73 in Music > Jazz > Latin Jazz

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

The billing (Irakere "featuring Chucho Valdés") illustrates what a draw the leader-pianist Valdés has become in his own right, and Yemayá does indeed showcase his prodigious talents as a keyboardist, albeit on an electro-acoustic instrument and with a set designed as much for the American jazz audience as for his Cuban roots. The opening title cut with Valdés's sister Mayra Caridad on vocals is a killer Latin-soul-jazz workout, while track 2, with blistering solo work from Valdés over a crisp, percussion-led rhythm, sets the tone for the remaining seven extended cuts. This is not so much Cuban music as jazz with a Latin base--complex, disciplined, but swinging hard. The pace is often frenetic, with soloists diving straight in at the deep end, but with sophisticated arrangements there is always plenty of light, shade, and drama. Yemayá represents a new phase for Irakere and is Latin Jazz of the highest caliber, full of virtuosity and passion. --Derek Rath

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy it more and more each time!, April 2, 2002

By 

K. Milligan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yemaya (Audio CD)

I bought this CD after attending the 2000 Havana Jazz Festival and hearing the group live. When I first listened to the CD, there was so much going on in the music that I was a little distracted. Then I took it on a short road trip and cranked it up in the car, listening to it over and over. The complexity, harmonies, percussion, and ensemble work of this group was a great pleasure to my sensibilities and my soul. This stands as one of my all-time-favorite albums!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent jazz recording, October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Yemaya (Audio CD)

I had the opportunity to see Irakere live a few weeks ago and immediately came to Amazon.com to find a CD. I chose this one and I'm glad I did. Even though some of the personnel are different this recording is still as wonderful as they were live. Their Latin Jazz groove is an outstanding blend of many influences.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Album, March 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Yemaya (Audio CD)

Often times one will read a review and it will state: "after repeated listenings the listener will be rewarded". Well ... not this album. From the first listen it is exciting, exhuberating music. I just finished listening to it the first time and I love it. If you want high energy, creative jazz with a latin flavor, this album is for you. This band displays excellent mastery of their instruments and the arrangements are tight and so very exciting...buy it!