Jazzanova look far and wide for their jazz music; Romania and Poland the sources of past compilations; and now their gaze alights on Cuba. As you’d expect the rhythms play a huge part in the styles on show here, with the sheer speed of a track like Irakere’s ‘Juana 1600’ having to be heard to believed. Elsewhere pianist Chucho ValdŽs contributes two brilliantly played tracks, while the sharp horns of Omara Portuondo’s ‘Soy Cubano’ make a mark too. There’s a huge variety of music here, and while some of it is quite intense jazz; as you’d expect; it’s another interesting lesson from the compilation kings.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
