Paquito

The longevity and the durability of the musical relationship between Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés give a freedom and flexibility to these performances on I Missed You Too! that defies all logic; they certainly go way beyond the kind of politely mannered performances that might ensue when musical friends get together after what seems like an age. In the case of Mr Valdés and Mr D’Rivera it is a relationship that began when the latter was introduced to the former by a revered friend Samuel Téllez.

In 1962, two of the most influential and talented instrumentalists that Cuba ever produced were brought together. Saxophonist/clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera was invited to hear pianist Chucho Valdés at a local club in his Marianao neighborhood of South Havana. The two soon became a musical partnership that helped shape jazz in Cuba. Their paths would separate in 1980 when D’Rivera left Cuba.

As closely associated as he still is with Cuba, from which he defected in 1981, Paquito D’Rivera has often chosen to express his affection for the music of Brazil. Song for Maura (named after his late mother) is the latest example, a collaboration with that country’s Trio Corrente: Fabio Torres (piano), Paulo Paulelli (bass) and Edu Ribeiro (drums). On January 27, 2014, Paquito D’Rivera and Trio Corrente’s new album “Song For Maura” won the “Best Latin Jazz Album” at the 56th annual GRAMMY Awards. Trio Corrente members accepted in person the GRAMMY award on the GRAMMY pre-telecast broadcast through GRAMMY Live.

This delightful project features altoist Paquito D'Rivera mostly playing clarinet in a trio with cellist Mark Summer and pianist Alon Yavnai. Although their set includes originals by all three musicians, the music overall is as strongly influenced by Cuban folk music and classical themes as by jazz. D'Rivera clearly enjoys mixing together the different idioms to create new and fresh music that is filled with the spirit and joy of his brand of jazz. The versatility of the three musicians is even more impressive than their inventive repertoire, making this a unique and highly recommended item in Paquito D'Rivera's extensive discography.