Song for Chico

Arturo O'Farrill continues in the tradition of his late father, Chico O'Farrill, with this exciting Afro-Latin big band session. Juan Tizol's "Caravan," a staple of Duke Ellington's repertoire and a favorite of jazz musicians, is transformed with Papo Vazquez's infectious chart, adding a dark piano vamp and prominent conga, with a sizzling improvised centerpiece featuring tenorist Ivan Renta, trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, and trombonist Renaldo Jorge. The bandleader contributed "Such Love," dedicated to the late saxophonist Sam Furnace, a mainstay in Chico's band who gave his all (in spite of pain from a terminal illness) in his final appearance with the band. The dramatic introduction sets up a cooking Afro-Cuban vehicle powered by Jimmy Delgado's timbales, adding Luis Bonilla's blistering trombone and Jim Seeley's scorching trumpet. Arturo returns to his father's compositions, including a brief but infectious "Cuban Blues" (using the original chart) and his own heartfelt setting of the warm ballad "The Journey." The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as Chico O'Farrill would be very pleased with this outstanding date by his talented son Arturo.