Armando Rodriguez

Armando Rodriguez-Victor Rendon Latin Jazz Orchestra: Havana Blues

by Dave Hughes
February 1, 1999

This CD is a real pleasure. The Armando Rodriguez and Victor Rendon Latin Jazz Orchestra combines the brassiness and broad sound palatte that's possible with a jazz big band with the swaying, intoxicating sensuousness of genuine Afro-Cuban rhythms. It's the next step along the musical path established by the likes of Mario Bauza, Machito, Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria. It's successful both as a good dance record and as a listening experience for it's own sake. Another factor ...