Arturo Sandoval - Rumba Palace

Sandoval, a Cuban ex-pat who was a founding member of Irakere, one of Havana's most legendary jazz bands, has so far won four Grammys, six Billboard Awards, and even an Emmy (for the soundtrack to For Love Of Country -- The Arturo Sandoval Story). His trumpet style, with its soaring improvisational pyrotechnics and sometimes blustery but always sonorous tone, has influenced an entire generation of young Latin players. Now a tenured professor at Florida International University and proud owner of Miami's Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club but still a working musician, he has performed with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Michel Legrand to Tony Bennett to Patti Labelle. The present album captures both his virtuosity and generosity toward other musicians, as he leads a hand-picked cadre of headliners through 12 delightful tracks, all recorded in robust, state-of-the-art sound. Felipe Lamoglia (sax), Antonio Perez (piano), Armando Gola (bass), Alexis "Pututi" Arce (drums) and Tomas Cruz (percussion), plus some very talented sidemen, toss themes around with playful or obsessed abandon, making some tunes into a mad scrimmage and others into a post-coital meditation. Even a new-comer to jazz and/or Latin music will be charmed and elated by the sonic brilliance and musical passion on tap here -- it's one of Sandoval's latter-day high points and that's saying a lot. --Christina Roden Amazon.com

Rumba Mania Knockout!!!

The depth of Arturo's talent is mind blowing. I Love this album!!! A collection of great songs. This album is very sophisticated jazz with some awesome support musicians. An incredible band and as tight as any I've ever heard. The music won't let you sit still. Bravissimo Arturo... Animo!!!! October 28, 2008

Good, but the cover and title are both misleading

I expected more danceable music. Considering the cover art, and the fact that he named it after his new dance club, I never expected so much pure jazz. The first and third tracks are great for dancing, and they do have elements of timba. But after that, it is all jazz with Cuban music elements. And absolutely none of those Cuban elements come from Rumba.

Perhaps it should have been called "Jazz Palace". January 20, 2008

Pure Cuban Timba

Thanks Arturo...those who are writting reviews here do not know about current Cuban Music...Timba...well it does not matter because they do not know about music. Your performance is great and every "Tumbao" and "Timba Mambos" are fantastically arranged. Thanks for introducing the world to the current cuban explosion...Timba!
Fantastic Arturo!

Edgar Roca.
Portland/Santiago de Cuba. Cuba November 10, 2007

Rumba Palace

Rumba Palace Is a very good blend of awsome Jazz with very fine Latin background . If you're already a fan of Arturo you won't be disapointed. If not, check it out. You will hear some of the best of both worlds July 14, 2007

Absolutely AMAZING!!

Arturo Sandoval is the king of Latin jazz and one of the world's most dynamic performers and this album proves just that!

This album is sophisticated and elegant, but also displays plenty of fire. I love that ten of the eleven songs are original compositions by Arturo himself, I think they really highlight his renowned Latin side.

His band also sounds incredible and really rounds out the whole album. The whole band sounds really excited to be a part of it and the songs just flows so smoothly.

It's high-powered and shows remarkable range, but at time is also moody and graceful, and it even showcases Sandoval singing!

I love it!
June 13, 2007

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