Babalu Ayé
In the 25 years since its foundation, the Cuban fusion group Irakere has become a musical franchise. The names have changed--some members, including reedman and cofounder Paquito D'Rivera, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, and reedman Carlos Averhoff, have since defected; others, like reedman Jose Luis Cortes and flutist Orlando "Maraca" Valle have gone on to lead their own groups--but Irakere remains. Throughout, the group, anchored by cofounder pianist-arranger-composer Jesus "Chucho" Valdés, has not only balanced roots with technology, tradition with innovation, but also, more pragmatically, the demands of dance floor with jazz experimentation.Babalu Aye's program includes dance music, a rock fusion update of Ernesto Lecuona's "La Comparsa," and the suitelike, religious Afro-Cuban title track. The dance songs--featuring serviceable Jose Miguel on vocals, with jazz-flavored arrangements and virtuoso soloing over tight grooves--have flair and substance. The centerpiece of this release however, is the 14-minute "Babalu Aye." It features religiousakpon(lead singer) Lazaro Ros and the music here is as sober and stark (mostly voice and drums) as the other tracks are exuberant. It makes this CD a rare, compact package of music for the feet and soul.--Fernando Gonzalez