Chucho Valdes/Irakere recommendations?

[Phil Meloy]

Can anyone suggest any Chucho Valdes/Irakere CDs? The only recording I have is a set of two CDs recorded live at Ronnie Scott's, "Double Event - The Legendary/Felicidad". I would be interested in solo, Irakere or quartet recordings - particularly good live recordings which are available. Thanks.

[John B]

A lot of Irakare's work doesn't seem to be easily accessible in the U.S. Their Greatest Hits album, which is half live, if I recall correctly, is an excellent starting point, if you don't already have it.

For Chucho on his own, I would start with the live Village Vanguard disc:

The performance is fantastic! I have enjoyed all of his discs that I have heard, but this is the one I return to the most.

Edited June 16, 2004 by John B

[Phil Meloy]

Thanks John - these are two that I was actually considering - I've now ordered them. As far as solo work I've heard that a recent concert at the Lincoln Center was recorded and is due for release. Does anyone have any info on this?