Review | Songlines

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Rating: ★★★★

View album and artist details

Album and Artist Details

Artist/band:

El Comité

Label:

Caramba Records

August/2024

Since being based in France, the Cuban jazz pianist Harold López-Nussa seems to have been in constant demand. On this, his second album with a septet of expatriate compatriots, he actually appears on only five of the 11 numbers, sharing keyboard duties with Rolando Luna, long-time accompanist to Omara Portuondo. They’re supported by trumpet, sax, bass, drums and percussion (with brief guest appearances by international trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and singer/percussionist Pedrito Martinez): a smallish outfit, then, which packs a considerable punch. There’s a wacky vibrant version of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’, otherwise it’s Afro-Cuban jazz with few real surprises but considerable verve. The mainly up-tempo numbers sit comfortably with quieter, more cerebral pieces. “The source that has fed us all is the same: Cuba,” suggests drummer Rodney Barreto. “That’s why we play together naturally, almost instinctively.” And, I’d add, impeccably. There’s barely a note out of place on this pedigree second album.

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