The title translates as “My Roots” and trumpeter Alexis Baro dedicates the record to the role of the instrument in Cuban music and its various styles. The first few tracks go back to early traditional forms, with “montuno” horn arrangements, plethora of percussion, energetic drumming and occasional vocals, commonly associated with Latin and specifically Cuban music.
The trumpet work is impressive, especially in its clarity and precision, whether in solos – open or muted as in Homenaje A La Trompeta Cubana – or in the ensemble work.
Just as Latin American music became popular in ballroom dancing, so Baro includes several numbers in this vein: Tu (Habanera) and Que Me Castigue conjure up images of the Tower Ballroom and revolving mirrorball lights. What fortunately elevates it from MOR music are the trumpet contributions, but these are the less interesting tracks.
100 Anos De Juventud, with the piano of Miguel A.de Armas laying down an attractive theme and with soaring trumpets from Baro and Jesus Alemany, and No Puedo Ser Feliz represent the slower, more formal Cuban dance styles, although the latter takes us dangerously into Strictly territory at times.
The later tracks reflect more contemporary styles, Jorge Betancourt’s piano and the conga playing of Papiosco Torres sharing the honours on En Son De Descargo. De Armas is back to lead on Timba Jam, supported by busy percussion and solid sections of brass orchestration.
The highlight though is Campo De Batalla/Battle Ground, with a haunting solo from Baro, at times reminiscent of Uan Rasey’s on the soundtrack to Chinatown, an expressive section from pianist Rafael Zaldivar and excellent underlying drumming from Amhed Mitchel.
Although something of a mixture, it’s an admirable project by Baro and there is enough here for anyone interested in skilful and exciting trumpet playing, the history of Cuban music, or even in Latin American dancing.
Discography
Campo De Batalla – Intro; Tan Lejos; Homenaje A La Trompeta Cubana; Tu (Habanera); Que Me Castigue; Yo Si Como Candela; 100 Anos De Juventud; No Puedo Ser Feliz; En Son De Descarga; Timba Jam; Campo De Batalla/Battle Ground; El Clarin De Pueblo Nuevo (57.03)
Baro (t); Yordan Martinez (tb); Jorge Betancourt (p); Yoser Rodriguez, Roberto Riveron, Juan Pablo Dominguez (b); Jorge L.Torres “Papiosco”, Rosendo “Chendy” Leon (pc); Amhed Mitchel (d).
Guest Performers: El Gaya Quartetto (strings); Miguelito Valdes, Alexander Brown, Jesus Alemany (t); Jeff King (ts, ss); Giovany Arteaga (ts); Rafael Zaldivar, Hilario Duran, Miguel A.de Armas, Jeremy Ledbetter (p); Pablosky Rosales (tres); Nestor del Prado (b); Aris Montenegro (pc); Alberto Alberto, Adis Rodriguez Galindo (v); Kiki Valera – Cuartro Cubano. Hamilton, Canada, 2022.
G-Three GT0019
