Arturo Sandoval Americana (1999)

To a Finland Station is an album by trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie and Arturo Sandoval recorded in 1982 and released on the Pablo label. Dizzy visited Finland 1982 to do a concert with the Finnish Studio Orchestra. By coincidence a Cuban group, led by Arturo Sandoval , was also appearing in Helsinki. Predictably, Dizzy got together with Arturo and in one all-night session that extended into the next morning, recorded this album

It seems remarkable that Arturo Sandoval never seems to win any jazz polls, for few trumpeters can come close to equaling his technique, jazz chops, and warm sound. On this advanced hard bop date, the music is strictly straight-ahead without any Latin rhythms. Sandoval matches wits quite successfully with clarinetist Eddie Daniels on two songs, tenor great Michael Brecker on three (including a memorable rendition of "Moment's Notice"), and veteran flugelhornist Clark Terry on a joyous "Mack the Knife." In addition, Sandoval pays tribute to Woody Shaw, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie. All in all, this is one of Arturo Sandoval's finest recordings to date.

Arturo Sandoval, one of the great trumpeters, leads his high-powered septet on a variety of diverse material. The uptempo bop original "The Real McBop" introduces the audience to the strong solo playing of pianist Phil Magallanes, tenor saxophonist Felipe Lamoglia, Sandoval, and guitarist Rene Toledo.

With his remarkable range and phenomenal technique, Arturo Sandoval is one of the world's great trumpeters; he can do virtually anything he wants on his instrument. Some detractors have claimed that he has too much technique (is such a thing possible?) and that his recordings for GRP are a bit erratic. The latter criticism cannot be applied to this 1988 release. Sandoval is heard with a standard quartet comprised of the great pianist Chucho Valdes (the leader of Irakere), bassist Ron Matthewson, and drummer Martin Drew. Recorded in England before Sandoval broke ties with Cuba, Sandoval is in near-miraculous form on some blues, a lyrical "My Funny Valentine," and a few basic originals. Just listen to him tear through "Blue Monk," playing in the low register with the speed of an Al Hirt before jumping into the stratosphere like Maynard Ferguson.

As if to remind anyone who's forgotten his roots, Chick Corea re-connects here with his past, when he was pianist for Willie Bobo and Cal Tjader in the 1960s, and a catalyst for Brazilian fusion in the 1970s. Playing a Fender Rhodes piano throughout this 10-song live session, Corea reminds one more of Latin jazz master Clare Fischer than the adventurous soloist who always keeps his music on the edge. With Arturo Sandoval on Mongo Santamaria's "Beseme Mama," Corea recalls his days with Return to Forever. The disc opens with all the pots boiling on "Soul Sauce" and "A Night in Tunisia," two standards by Dizzy Gillespie, the godfather of Latin jazz. Corea, Sandoval, Poncho Sanchez, and former Spyro Gyra vibes player David Samuels are all featured with fiery solos, with Sandoval trading high-flying riffs with fellow trumpeter Claudio Roditi on the latter tune.

This early solo effort (made available on CD by Messidor) by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval was recorded in Madrid, Spain a few years before his defection from Cuba. Sandoval really lets loose on the six selections (five originals plus "A Night in Tunisia"), showing off his tremendous technique and his ability to play rapid lines. The high-powered music (which also features pianist Hilario Duran and guitarist Jorge Chicoy) may turn some listeners off due to its ferocity and lack of space, but one cannot help but be impressed by Sandoval's talents.

Dizzy Gillespie and Arturo Sandoval - To A Finland Station (1982) {Pablo OJCCD-733-2 rel 2006}
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© 1982, 2006 Pablo Records / Fantasy / Universal | OJCCD-733-2 / 00025218673327
Jazz / Post Bop / Afro-Cuban Jazz / Trumpet

This unique set finds Dizzy Gillespie (who was nearly age 65) sharing the frontline with the great Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Backed by a fine Finnish rhythm section, Sandoval and the great trumpeter are both in good spirits playing five of Gillespie's originals including "Wheatleigh Hall" and "And Then She Stopped." Considering that it would be another decade before Sandoval was able to defect from Cuba (and finally play the music he wanted), this recording is of great historic value.