Cuarto Espacio: Cuarto Espacio - Reencuentro

Cuarto Espacio (Fourth Space) is a quartet of extravagantly musical virtuosos which represent Cuban jazz at its most brilliant, combining elements of salsa, rumba, nueva trova, European classical and of course fusion jazz. This album was recorded in 1994 in Caracas, Venezuela and still sounds ahead of its time. All nine tracks were written and arranged by Omar Hernandez and Ernan Lopez-Nussa. "Tumbania" begins the set calmly enough but ends with a spectacular percussion display by guest percussionists Nene and Luis Quintero and co-producer Sammy Figueroa. Sancho, Polka and Son, and Pantera take the listener on a journey of intense musical changes, while solo piano piece Reencuentro provides an oasis of calm and beauty. "Tranquilidad" and "Hay Gritos", both composed and sung by Omar Hernandez, reflect the influence of Silvio Rodriguez, with whom these musicians played for many years. ''Varietas delectat.'' (Gitarre & Bass, 02/94)