USA/CUBA: Jorge Chicoy Quintet-Havana Subway(2018)

To musicians around the world, Jorge Chicoy is known as one of the greatest living Latin Jazz guitarists, but until now his artistry has been largely unknown to listeners in the U.S.. Having recently relocated to the U.S. from his home city of Havana, Chicoy records his first CD as the leader of his own quintet. As legendary saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera is quoted saying of this music, "it's eclectic and versatile, with a rich harmonic palette on top of a strong sense of rhythm." This is classic Latin Jazz with an Afro Cuban flavor. Chicoy sets the pace with his brilliant guitar solos, and on piano Mike Eckroth adds his own virtuoso technique. The Jorge Chicoy Quintet may just be the most exciting thing to hit the Latin Jazz since since the days of Chucho Valdes and Cachao.