Bebo Valdes and the Art of the Duo

Bebo Valdes is one of the leaders of the Afro-Cuban Jazz movement from "back in the day" - and in this case, that means pre-Castro Cuba. As he reaches the age of 90, the pianist is reexamining the material he has written, interpreted and championed over the years. No better opportunity to see how reflection can create unexpected delight comes in his latest release, Live at the Village Vanguard.
While the recording dates from 2005, it is just finally being released to the public thanks to Calle 54 Records. That evening, Valdes teamed up with his favorite bass player, Javier Colina, for an evening of duets. Their quiet, yet rousing set must have been truly wonderful in "the New York cathedral of Jazz" in the Village. Each man gives as good as he gets, and rather than pound out the type of lively, percussive music we expect of Latin Jazz, we are treated to the art of the sophisticaed duo.
The set is divided neatly into Valdes compositions, a series of boleros, a tribute to Cuba's Ernesto Lecuona, and some jazz standards. Valdes' "Bebo's Blues" is an absolute delight, as the veteran pianist drops some boogie-woogie on us, deftly quoting "Rhapsody in Blue". On "Con Poco Coco," Valdes quotes "Salt Peanuts" when Colina bows out a melodic nod to "Old Devil Moon". Clearly, these are two men with a deep sense of the jazz tradition, and they're more than happy to let us all know it. It's only appropriate the album ends with Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby", given Evans' close ties to the venue.
I've blogged on Bebo before, but this is some of my first exposure to Javier Colina. He cut his teeth playing double bass in flamenco jazz bands in Spain, and he has developed into a fine musciain, able to have an almost telepathic sense of communication with the older Velades. His nickname may be "El Rapido", but its not just speed that makes his performance notable, but its soulfulness.
Click here to listen to "Con Poco Coco ", a track indicative of the joys of the CD. Valdes lets the melody lilt rather than stomp or sway, and Colina, whether he is bowing the bass or plucking it, is more than up to any challenge Bebo throws his way. This is a gentle, yet exciting album, and well worth your time.
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