The Blessing

Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 22, 1991)
• Original Release Date: October 22, 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000000W2X
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #65,319 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This was the first of Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba's recordings to appear in the United States, and it's a stunning introduction to his work. He's more than ably supported by Charlie Haden and Jack DeJohnette, with Haden's fundamentalist approach to the bass acting as a secure anchor to Rubalcaba's frequent flights of virtuosity and DeJohnette's polyrhythmic approach. With his deep roots in the rhythmic language of Cuban music, Rubalcaba brings a subtle and complex pulse to even his most reflective moments at the keyboard. He's also rooted in some of the more adventurous paths that jazz took in the 1960s, as that stellar rhythm section would suggest. It shows in the original approaches that he finds to Coltrane's "Giant Steps," Bill Evans's "Blue in Green," and Ornette Coleman's "The Blessing." --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars here's the RUBALCABA to own if it's just one, August 15, 2008

By	B. Lafave "parisconcert" (lakeland , fl) - See all my reviews

immediately disregard anyone who tries to convince you that this is not one of the most beautiful piano trio albums you'll ever hear . the first song is not representative of how deep and gorgeous this project goes . as good as most JARRETT trio recordings . breathtaking . these musicians and this date are truly blessed . CHARLIE HADEN bass , JACK DEJOHNETTE drums .

5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime, August 27, 2005

By	Driver9 (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Surprised is how I felt when I first heard the music. It reminded me of some earlier sounds, strains of Thelonious Monk, Don Pullen and Cecil Taylor, although it diminishes the music to have to compare it to something else, doesn't it. If you don't like it, fine. But if you don't understand something, don't put it down. Any time musicians experiment with melody-rhythm-harmony, the first few hearings can be jarring. Who said you have to be able to snap your fingers for something to be good. Who said you have to be able to understand what the musicians are doing? Try opening your ears to a sound you aren't used to. It won't bite you. You don't have to be afraid, just listen.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, January 10, 2003

By A Customer

Lots of great technique *and* beautiful music, despite what other reviewers may say. The opening statement in CIRCUITO is pretty jarring and may strike some listeners as being nonmusical, but it's actually pretty similar to the unaccompanied jags Brad Mehldau occassionally takes, a little chaos before the return of order. Includes some really beautiful readings of SANDINO, SILVER HOLLOW, BLUE IN GREEN, among others. I got this two months ago and have been listening to it as much all my other CDs combined. Really outstanding jazz.