CD Review: Lecuona JóJazz by Various Artists (Colibrí 2014)
Review by BIll Tilford, all rights reserved

This inventive Jazz treatment of some of Ernesto Lecuona's compositions features a few of the winners of Cuba's JóJazz competition, an annual competition dedicated to young Jazz artists in Cuba. Four different pianists - José Luís Pacheco, Alejandro Meroño, Rolando Luna and Alejandro Falcón - take three songs apiece.  There is a stellar roster of musicians in the combos for which each of them did arrangements as well.  

Each of the four pianists brings a different musical personality to their selections, which range from very relaxed (but virtuosic) to very intense.   There is a nice mix of moods in the compositions as well. 

Lecuona JóJazz was nominated for a Cubadisco award in the Jazz Cubano category in 2015.  I'm not sure whether it is out in the marketplace yet, but it will be worth having when it is. 

SONGS:

1. Estás en mi corazón
2. Te vas juventud
3. Para Vigo me voy
4. Gitanerlas
5. Canto Siboney
6. En 3 por 4
7. Canción del amor triste. 
8. Damisela encantadora
9. Tú no tienes corazón
10. La comparsa
11. Danza lucumi
12. A la antigua

Personnel in Lecuona JóJazz