Masterpiece

Personnel includes: Carlos "Patato" Valdes; Ronnie Cuber (saxophone); Jerry Gonzalez (trumpet); Michel Camilo, Jorge Dalto (piano); Artie Webb, Nicky Marrero, Ignacio Berroa.
Audio Mixer: Johannes Wohlleben.
Liner Note Author: Larry Birnbaum.
Recording information: Mastermind Studios, New York, NY; Nola Studios, New York, NY.
Editor: Barry Kernfeld.
Masterpiece may not quite live up to its name, but it definitely has its moments. A few songs are dominated by group singing/chanting, and both singer Vicentico Valdes ("Reflexionado") and percussionist Patato ("A Los Pianistas") have individual features. In addition, "Cute" and "Coimelon" are straight-ahead showcases for Ronnie Cuber (on soprano and baritone) and pianist Michel Camilo, while fluitst Artie Webb is heard in top form on "Adios Pampa Mia" and Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream." Other key players include the late pianist Jorge Dalto (on his next-to-last recording), Nicky Marrero on timbales, drummer Steve Berrios, bassist Andy Gonzalez, and trumpeter Jerry Gonzalez. An intriguing set of consistently stimulating music. ~ Scott Yanow