El Arte Del Sabor

They are the holy trinity of Latin jazz: pianist Bebo Valdés, the music director of the Tropicana and father of Chucho Valdés; bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez, the mambo and descarga innovator; and percussionist Carlos "Patato" Valdes, who played with greats from Cuba to California. These masters were showcased in the documentary and soundtrack Calle 54. On this CD, which translates as "The Art of Flavor," they sprinkle zesty Afro-Caribbean seasonings on 17 swinging Cuban classics. Tunes like "Lamento Cubano," "Son de la Loma," and "Negro de Sociedad" are interpreted as tasty trio arrangements. Alto saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera adds his sophisticated solos to the compositions "Priquitin Pin Pon," "Ogguere," and "Romance en la Habana." Bebo Valdes's elegant ivory ticklings on the Cubop-tinged hit, "Route 66," pays homage to the great Nat "King" Cole, who recorded Holiday in Havana with Valdes in the '50s. All told, this selection offers a sonic snapshot of Cuba's elegant pre-Revolutionary jazz scene. --Eugene Holley Jr.