Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and rich cultural heritage of Cuba with Irakere's "Felicidad," a live album that captures the essence of their electrifying performances. Founded by the legendary pianist Chucho Valdés in 1973, Irakere has been a pioneering force in blending Latin jazz, timba, and son cubano, earning them a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album. This album, released on July 3, 2011, under Synergie OMP, is a testament to their musical prowess and innovation.
"Felicidad" is a dynamic journey through six extended tracks, each a masterclass in improvisation and collective creativity. The album opens with the sprawling "Stella, Pete, Ronnie (Live)," a 17-minute exploration of jazz and Cuban rhythms that showcases the band's tight-knit chemistry. The title track, "La Máquina Del Sabor (Live)," translates to "The Flavor Machine," and it lives up to its name with a 10-minute celebration of tasteful musicianship. "Contradanza (Live)" and "Anabis (Live)" further highlight the band's ability to weave intricate melodies and infectious grooves, each track clocking in at nearly 13 minutes.
The album also pays homage to the past with "Tributoa Peruchin (Live)," a tribute to the great Cuban pianist Peruchin, and "La Pastora (Live)," a traditional Cuban tune reimagined with Irakere's signature flair. With a total runtime of over an hour and thirteen minutes, "Felicidad" is a generous serving of live music that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Irakere's music, this album is a thrilling introduction to the sounds of Cuba's musical revolution.
Vinylscout