Irakere - Pare Cochero (2001)

01.Pare Cochero
02.Bacalao con Pan
03.Chequere-Son
04.Dile a Catalina
05.El Viandero
06.La Peleona
07.En Nosotros
08.Juana 1600
09.12 y 23
10.Moja el Pan
11.Indestructible
12.Como Fue.

This collection by Orfeon Records could easily make a case that Irakere has been the most shape-shifting, adaptable group in the modern history of Cuban music. Having changed their billing from the original Irakere to including bandleader Chucho Valdés' name, to the current title of los Irakeres, it's as hard to pin a handle for this group as to categorize them. From the very straight-ahead title cut and "Dile a Catalina" to the processed, fusion-flavored "Bacalao con Pan" and "Juana 1600," the only two things that are truly consistent are the indelible flavor of their national heritage and the top-shelf quality of the musicianship. From their all-star cast of characters including Paquito d'Rivera, Chucho Valdés, and Arturo Sandoval to the surprisingly sophisticated folklore-driven vocalization, to the trend- and standard-setting arrangements, Irakere was and continues to be an incredible convergence of precious elements. There have been many collections that have attempted to capture the essential nature of this history-making supergroup, and many have fallen sadly short of the task. Pare Cochero, thanks to its tasteful and careful selection, can stand beside Columbia/Legacy's The Best of Irakere as a compilation without weak links, one that is a necessary component of any Latin jazzer's collection. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide.