Recorded: Il Poste, Verona, Italy, 1999

Rising star saxist Jay Rodriguez is joined by three-time Grammy Award winning pianist Chucho Valdés for this eclectic and thoroughly satisfying quartet recording from 2001. Rodriguez, leader of the world-renowned jazz jam-band Groove Collective (2007 Grammy Nominees), brings a playful notion of experimentation to the proceedings with the Cuban jazz master Valdés. Serious fun is had by all as the group blazes through a set of jazz classics and choice originals. By the time they reach the closer, Valdés’ signature “Mambo Influenciado”, the crowd is brought to a boil as the pianist sheds some of his traditional tendencies for some rare and exciting “out” moments.

Reviews:

Chucho Valdes' 'Mambo Influenciado' is a fiery piece, lit up by Chucho's glittering piano and Rodriguez's mercurial flute.

Musicweb-international - November 2007