🎹🎺🥁🎷🎶 Misa Negra is a monumental album by Irakéré, led by Chucho Valdés since 1973. The album was released in 1987, and opens with the 17-minute title orchestral piece. A black mass for big band in four movements, oscillating between jazz, Latin groove, African influences and santeria. Although Arturo Sandoval and Paquito d’Rivera are no longer with Irakéré, Valdés can still count on some formidable instrumentalists, including trumpeter Jorge Varona – which will sadly be one of his last appearances – and Oscar Valdés’s percussion. Other founding members of Irakéré include Carlos Morales, Enrique Plá and bassist Carlos del Puerto. Another highlight is Concierto para Metales, a funk/salsa tune that opens the B-side. The festive spirit is not forgotten with the dazzling Samba para Enrique, a nod to Brazil, and Misa Negra closes with a swinging Latin rereading of Brubeck’s Duke.
Misa Negra – Irakéré, 1987
