Released: 15/03/24
Led by Chucho Valdes , son of Cuban pianist and bandleader Bebo Valdes , the band would go on to become of the most infuential and successful groups emanating from Cuba in this period. Their debut 'Teatro Amadeo Roldan Recital' is an in- demand and incredible Afro- Cuban, jazz- funk masterpiece originally landing on Cuba's state-owned imprint, Areito.
One of the jewels of the album is the beast of an opener, 'Bacalao Con Pan'. A heavy dancefoor Latin-funk burner, with ripping Wah-Wah guitar, a blistering mix of Latin percussive elements and horns fring on all cylinders. It's a song which builds and breaks with an energy and power that still lights up the dance to this very day.
The album is a varied bag of tricks, traversing moods, styles and genres whilst melding traditional rhythms with more contemporary mindsets. Take the delectable downtempo ballad 'Danza Naniga' or 'Valle Picadura' that starts on a similar tip, before erupting into a horn heavy heater. Move through to fnd 'Taka Taka Ta' where Afro- Cuban jazz, call and response vocals and brain- busting organs marry in steamy unison.
Elsewhere, continuing this melting pot of musical infuences, the prog/ psychedelic rock leaning 'Quindiambo', expertly combines traditional Latin music with psych rock in a similar way to Santana . 'Misaluba' is another highlight, a cover version of a song by the British-Italian based group Cyan, written by Mario & Giosy Capuano, making it their own with this tripped- out, percussion- rich makeover.
As debuts go, Grupo Irakere's 'Teatro Amadeo Roldan Recital' is about as good as it gets and gives a snapshot of Cuba in the mid '70s, with a band that were destined for big things.