Chico O'Farrill
Carambola
Mileston Records
MCD-9308-2

If Mario Bauzà, Chano Pozo, Machito and Dizzy Gillespie are considered the creators of Afro-Cuban Jazz, Chico O'Farrill is without a doubt its architect. Or better yet, as O'Farrill is described by writer Luc Delannoy in the liner notes, the "alchemist" on his last recording entitled "Carambola." With the virtuous skill of a surgeon, Chico O'Farrill creates a masterful work that dwells on the inner extremities of Jazz & rhythm transporting the listener through a symphony of sound enveloping over six decades of musical influences.

"Carambola" features a cast of top-notch musicians--including: pianist, composer and musical director Arturo O'Farrill (Chico's son), trumpeters Michael Mossman, Jim Seeley, Jon Owens, Matt Hilgenberg and Kenny Rampton; trombonists Gary Valente, Papo Vàzquez, Sam Burtis and Jack Jeffers; saxophonists Jimmy Cozier, Marchall McDonald, Mike Migliore, Peter Brainin and Max Schweiger; bassist Andy Gonzàlez, drums and percussion by Steve Berrios and Roland Guerrero on congas. Special guests include Mario Rivera on sax and flute, vocalist Graciela, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez on drums, bassist John Benìtez, Victor Jones on drums, violinist Lewis Kahn, Christpher Komer and Vincent Chancey on French horns, Sandra Rodriguez and Yolanda Maldonado chorus.

Chico O'Farrill's trademark arrangements fuse Jazz and Latin rhythms with classical European music elements. A total of 11 tracks including "Carambola", "The Aztec Suite" the classic bolero "Delirio", "Rhapsody for two Islands", "Oye Mi Rumba" and Chico's signature classic composition "Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite."

Most evident is the meticulous attention to musical detail on every composition. El maestro Chico O'Farrill illustrates unequivocal mastery of his craft. Every note has a purpose coherent with tradition and innovation. This CD is a Latin Jazz tour-de-force.

review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub.com Magazine

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