Cachao y su Descarga '77, Vol. 1

AMG Review of Cachao y su Descarga '77, Vol. 1

John Storm Roberts
All Music Guide

One of the greatest Cuban bassists (and the bass is what pegs all that superb rhythmic interplay), Cachao has played with all the greatest names in his time. Alas, the personnel of this superlative '60s recording isn't given, but greatness is everywhere present. And not just greatness in the splendid tres playing, the brilliant trumpet and singing and on and on, but richness and variety. The numbers range from extremely Afro-centric pieces to classic son ("Tres Lindas Cubanas," and the delights along the way include a rare-as-hen's-teeth clarinet solo of enormous charm. Quintessential about sums it up...).