7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is what Latin jazz should sound like...!, May 20, 2007
This review is from: Zamazu (Audio CD)
An impressive album by Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca, who took over the piano chair in the Buena Vista Social Club after Ruben Gonzales left in '01. Fonseca draws on seemingly limitless styles and resources, and a soulful sense of melody that sets this album apart from many run-of-the-mill Latin jazz workouts: he plays with soul and sensitivity, exploring a rich emotional reservoir that will offer plenty of rewards to receptive listeners. If you're looking for new Latin jazz material that really does justice to both traditions (and doesn't just mash them together), check this album out!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beyond Buena Vista....Sensuous, fresh, modern..., June 5, 2007
This review is from: Zamazu (Audio CD)
Fresh from producing, arranging and playing on Ferrer's posthumously released album of boleros
Mi SueƱo, Fonseca now delivers his fourth album, "Zamazu", a disc as innovative and exciting as "Mi Sueño" is dreamy and traditional.
With Fonseca posed, Justin Timberlake-style, on the cover in leather Byblos hat and black Agnès B coat (the Parisian designer became his self-appointed stylist after being blown away by a concert in France), "Zamazu" redefines Latin jazz with 14 wide-ranging but eminently spiritual pieces recorded in Havana and Brazil.
Most are original compositions: paeans to family, friends and Santeria, the Afro-Cuban religion that merges Catholicism and African beliefs and informs Fonseca's life. All are uplifting and beautiful, modern and outward-looking.
As a legacy of his international travels with Ferrer, "Zamazu" embraces sounds from elsewhere, feeding flamenco, Celtic or North African influences into a fluid and compelling personal style.
Buena Vista were keepers of the soundtrack to a long-isolated country and were celebrated for their traditionalism.
But Roberto Fonseca could pull up a piano stool at a jazz club anywhere in the world and trounce the competition with his gift for melody, virtuosity, invention.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 stars al the way !, August 19, 2007
This review is from: Zamazu (Audio CD)
Maybe the best cd of the year . Wonderful playing and superbe writing from the new buena vista piano player . Just listen to the track "suspiro" , and for over 7 minutes you are totaly taken to a wonderfull moment .
cant wait for more !
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