Did you know, Irakere was “vegetation” in Yoruba? Me neither but this seminal band that was founded by Chucho Valdés (son of band leader Bebo), was the Cuban equivalent of the Jazz Messengers as a nursery for musicians, like Paquito D’Rivera (saxophone) and Arturo Sandoval (Trumpet). Not sure if these two are on the selected track, but you known it’s a good ‘un as this collection has been compiled by (the ever busy) Jazzanova and Erik Ott.

Valdés’ ‘La Sombra’ opens this CD with a big 70’s jazz piano tune that gets you moving straight away and the title track is by another pianist, Emiliano Salvador. Recorded in 1978, for his album of the same name, it’s what we’d broadly call jazz-funk at the time. Far to subtle for our island then but there’s another Salvador track with the ridiculous(ly good) 70s synth on ‘Son En 7/4’. But you need to be quick on your feet to keep up with the piano.

At the other extreme, ‘Es mi Bandera’ is in the ‘minimal’ school of Tumba Francesa and ‘Tema 4’ is a Cuban Mike Sammes Singers, who only now I can appreciate with the help of Jonnie Trunk. Also check the 60s ‘Yayabo’ that’s coming out on the accompanying 12”; short but leftfield baby.

For salsa fans of big female vocals, percussion and horns (a la Fania), try ‘Soy Cubano’ by Omara Portuondo (she of Buena Vista Social Club) and the disco fans, get ‘ping ping’ on ‘De Tu Amorme Ensmore’.

In the same era, there’s some 70s cop show theme ‘Mi Canga Es Laque Es’ before Valdés comes back with a classic piece of piano jazz dance with ‘Triton’, Bobby Carcasses blow us away with ‘Emiliano 1ro’ (a tribute to anyone here?) and to finish off the veteran Pedro Luis Ferrer in his “dancing and good vibe” mood.

Sonar Kollektiv released Paz E Futebol last year and this new selection sees them moving further into the Mr Bongo / Soul Jazz / World Circuit / Far Out Recordings heartlands. Luckily, there’s enough room for everyone as this is just a Nueva Vision of a different sort with loads of styles to please everyone.

Reviewed: Various — Nueva Vision (Sonar Kollektiv) Cat. No: SK166CD Release date: 19th November 2007

Tracklist CD:
1. Chucho Valdés — La Sombra
2. Grupo Tema IV — Tema 4
3. Emiliano Salvador — Angelica
4. Omara Portuondo — Soy Cubano
5. Orchestra Los Van Van — Y que se sepa
6. C.I.V. Jefatura de Retaguardia — Es mi Bandera
7. Irakere — Juana 1600
8. Emiliano Salvador — Son en 7/4
9. Tema IV — Yayabo
10. Yo, tú, él y ella — De tu amorme enamore
11. Ricardo Eddy Martinez y Expreso Ritmico — Mi Conga es laque es
12. Orquestra Maravillas de Florida — Buscame el Abanico
13. Chucho Valdés y su Quinteto — Triton
14. Bobby Carcassés y Afro Jazz — Emiliano 1°
15. Quinteto Instrumental de Musica Moderna — Gandinga, Mondongo y Sandunga
16. Orchetestra LA 440 — Y No Me Ire
17. Pedro Luis Ferrer — Operacion Sitio

Links:
www.sonarkollektiv.com