Calle 54

A high water mark for salsa

This is some of the best salsa ever. I loved the DVD version so much I bought two. If the house catches fire, maybe I can save at least one. I always wanted the CD version for the car, and now I have it. It's much more fun watching these giants of Cuban music play it live before an audience and really get into it, but it's also great to have for the road. One of the best collections ever! August 28, 2008

Gracias Fernando Trueba

Para todos aquellos que quieran entrar en el mundo del Jazz Latino: compradlo sin dudar. Es como una colección de diferentes estilos, big band, piano, jazz, ...Este cofre está lleno de joyas musicales, pero no os perdais una que pasará a la historia de la música: la version de "La comparsa" interpretada en un duelo con los pianos frente a frente de padre e hijo (Bebo y Chucho).
Disfrutad de este viaje. December 23, 2007

Latin jazz soundtrack music

Although I never saw the film I love this disc . The soundtrack is a superb collection of artists representing the best in latin jazz and it's various off shoots. I was introduced to this disc after hearing the sublime number by Cubans Bebo Valdez and Cachao entitled "Lagrimas Negras." Valdes contributes another song ,this time pairing with Chucho Valdez, entitled "La Comparas" that features piano work that requires attention by it's exquisite nature. Chuco Valdes in turn has his own song entitled "Caridad Amaro" that is an amazing rendering on piano that rivals the best classical music. The late great Tito Puente is in full swing on timabales on "New Arrival" as he imposes his will and drive on this latin jazz number. Paquito D'Rivera slows the tempo down and brings it back up on "Panamericano" with his blistering solos on sax. When you mention Latin American sax players you must include Argentinian Gato Barbieri who offers his soulful wailings on "Introduccion, Llamerito y Tango / Bolivia" which is an extended bit of improvisation and sax harmonies as only he can play. All of the songs fit into the latin jazz genre and are vey good representaions. Recommended for jazz or latin jazz enthusiasts. March 26, 2007

Calle 54

If you like jazz, latin jazz and jazz fussion this is a great -all of that- jazz album. The mixture of the afro-cuban music with the 70's latin jazz makes this album extraordinary. The Calle 54 musical was about the 70's New York latin jazz scene and that's what this album is all about. Take that and add some of the greatest Spanish folk music and the result it's a sound blast ! January 4, 2007

DVD is better to have

I enjoyed the music on here very much, but if you are going to buy it new, at full price, why not buy the DVD for a couple bucks more? It's an overall better experience to see the musicians playing while listening to the music. Plus the interviews make the DVD a better purchase. The CD is okay to listen to in the car, but I think that you're missing the whole effect until you see the DVD. July 21, 2006

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