Cubop Lives! is Indispensable according to Paris Move
Those of you who have a good sense of humor will instinctively understand the name of this album, summarized in its simplest form and at the same time being a perfect representation of what this Cuban bebop album is. Zaccai Curtis is a multifaceted pianist for whom every aspect of his work shines. As both performer, composer, educator, and producer, Curtis has earned respect in each domain by brilliantly showcasing his mastery of jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz lineages. As a composer, Curtis is a three-time winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Competition, recipient of the Connecticut Tourism Commission Artist Fellowship, and the Chamber Music America “New Jazz Works” grant.
Once again here, everything seems to be a matter of passion, with intricate compositions, structurally complex both rhythmically and in terms of themes or arrangements, yet it’s a very accessible album that will please you as long as you love Cuban culture and jazz. “Cubop Lives! highlights the early forms of ‘fusion jazz’ and the combination of cultures that were socially, politically, and of course, musically intertwined.” Curtis’s love for the genres has led not only to meticulous curation of pieces – historical and original – but also to the intentional selection of the group itself. “It takes musicians who master their craft and understand the concepts and forms of complex jazz,” explains Curtis. “There are only a handful of people capable of succeeding in this style of music as they do. These arrangements were developed to showcase each individual’s unique voice.” The album’s personnel list includes a heavyweight cast in the world of Afro-Cuban jazz: Willie Martinez (drums, vocals, timbales), Camilo Molina (percussion), Reinaldo De Jesus (percussion, drums), and the conductor’s brother, Luques Curtis (double bass).
Read the Full article here https://www.paris-move.com/reviews/zaccai-curtis-cubop-lives-eng-review/
