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"Calle 54": a great music DVD

This may be yesterday's news for those of you who have already seen/heard "Calle 54" (either on DVD or videotape). For those who love Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz but have missed this disc, do yourself a very large favor and trot down to your local Blockbuster or Hollywood Video, rent this DVD, and enjoy some stellar music.

"Calle 54" is a terrific look at contemporary Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz artists, with a dozen excellent performances featuring some of the very best musicians in this genre, including: Paquito d'Rivera (alto sax, clarinet); Eliane Elias (piano); Jerry Gonzalez (trumpet/flugelhorn) and the Ft. Apache Band; Chano Dominguez (piano), who has created a fascinating fusion between jazz and flamenco; Michel Camilo (piano); Gato Barbieri (tenor sax) performing a suite he wrote for jazz orchestra); Tito Puente (percussion) leading a stellar group); Chico O'Farill (conducting jazz orchestra at "Birdland"); Chucho Valdez (piano); and Bebo Valdez (Chucho's father; piano). The film was shot on location in the New York area; Puerto Rico; Havana, Cuba; and Stockholm, Sweden.

I usually go to bed every evening around 11 PM, but decided to give this disc a quick listen around 10:30. Once into it, I nearly got out my "dancin' shoes" (not really -- I have two left feet). Great music, great performers, and an absolute MUST SEE if you like Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz. I was still awake at 1 AM, listening a second time to the great sounds on this disc. I don't buy many music DVD's, but this one is definitely joining the collection.
sdcampbell

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sdcampbell OP
2,136 posts
 
I forgot to mention that the soundtrack from this DVD won the 2002 Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album. I don't set a lot of store by the Grammies, but this time they seem to have made a good choice.

Killerpiglet: good tips -- thanks! I have been a big fan of Afro-Cuban jazz since Dizzy Gillespie's recordings with Chano Pozo (composer of "Manteca"), as well as music from Brazil and Argentina. I have several of Ruben Gonzalez's CD's, including the "Montreal Tapes" that he did with Charlie Haden, as well as CD's by Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdez, and others. Great stuff!

Jsbail: you voiced a comment I nearly made in my first post. This DVD really makes you appreciate having a first-rate combined audio and HT system. My system is mainly used for audio, and I had to integrate the HT components because I have only one room. Last night, I again appreciated why it's great to have a HT system that is built around first-rate audio gear.
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