Arsenio Rodriguez: Adivinalo
Musicians:
Arsenio Rodriguez (tres),
Carmelo Alvarez (trumpet), Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros (trumpet), Felix Chappotin (trumpet), Rene Scull (vocal), Carlos Ramirez (guitar, vocal), Antolin “Papa Kila” Suarez (bongos), Luis “Lili” Martinez (piano), Lazaro Prieto (bass), Felix Alfonso (conga)
.Composed by Arsenio Rodriguez
.Recorded: Havana, Cuba (c.1946-50)
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
The contributions of Arsenio Rodriguez, the Cuban tres player and composer, to the development of Latin jazz have long been underappreciated. Rodriguez’s band featured innovative music, rooted in the Afro-Cuban tradition, without which modern Latin jazz and salsa would have been much different. This track is part of a compilation from Rodriguez’s best music. “Adivinalo” features trumpet and piano improvisations relying on chromaticism and “modern” jazz harmony. Along with Rodriguez, several other musicians who would become integral to the development of Latin jazz are on this album, including trumpeters Felix Chappotin and “Chocolate” Armenteros, and pianist Luis “Lili” Martinez. The percussion section drives this piece, which definitely captures the power of the Afro-Cuban tradition.
Reviewer: Mark Lomanno
Tags: afro-cuban · big band · cuba · latin jazz · tres
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