It is a fascinating and genuine experience listening to the CD César López y Habana Ensemble Jazz Band, which is the new CD created by this noted saxophonist, who venerates the most legitimate of Cuban music, also including the extinct format that was so popular in the past.

The brief musical journey starts with Tren de Tokio, followed by bolero, cha-cha, mambo, danzón, and son, among other songs, of which six were written by him and two in collaboration with the 2019 National Music Award winner Joaquin Betancourt and Jorge Aragón Jr., adding the bonus track Quédate Más. This one is a sublime vocal performance by Cesar López himself; a fusion of past and future, with a gramophone style.

This supreme quality CD gathers several generations of Cubans in a fraternal dialogue done with the most universal of languages.

Likewise, its original cover makes reference to Japan; his second homeland. It was designed by Leydi Conde and Alejandro Ferro.  It is important to highlight the participation of Seiko Ishii; his life partner and muse, who was in charge of every detail of the CD’s production.

It is important to point out the piece’s making off, which was done by the director and journalist Rolando Almirante, recorded at Studio 1 of Abdala Productions, under the Unicorn Label. The production team was composed by the young photographer Hazzem Velázquez, with the recording, mixing and mastering by Rodolfo Fito Martínez.

These are great artists, who make evident the existing commitment and respect for the most genuine of our genres and rhythms. Cesar López, as a director and producer, honors his teacher: the great Chucho Valdés and his career in Irakere.

Translated by Armando Hernández Vizoso