Paquito D'Rivera & Chano Dominguez - Quartier Latin

Introduction

This live concert took place on April 5th, 2006, very soon after the Opus-Arte recording of Puccini`s `La Bohème` (reviewed elsewhere on this site) was completed.

The name of the DVD takes its inspiration from the scene of the opera`s second act, which is set in the Parisian Latin Quarter, and for one night only, this particular set is now the stage for some very cool, and particularly well-played Latin-jazz fusion (with a hint of flamenco thrown in).

Video

As usual, Opus-Arte have gone for a NTSC transfer, which is generally very clear, although I noticed some `blotchiness` in some of the darker background shots.

Audio

It would be a shame if you only listened to this in stereo mode, as the Dolby surround option is superb. Every instrument is perfectly balanced over 5 speakers, and with three sets of percussion, this clarity is a difficult thing to achieve.

I took the opportunity to turn it up for a few numbers (well, the people below were out) and it fair shook the room at times.

Features

I`m not sure I would count the advertised `music only option` as an extra to be honest. Ideally, some form of film about the two main artists would have been welcome, especially for those who may not be too familiar with this type of jazz, or indeed the performers themselves.

The accompanying booklet contains mini-biographies of D`Rivera and Domínguez, and what seems to be a running commentary of the gig by Javier Estrella (translated from the original Spanish) which includes lines such as "The audience is bubbling with joy..."

Conclusion

Actually, that last sentence is quite apt, if it has perhaps lost something in translation. One-off gigs such as this are few and far between, and even in the possibly rarified atmosphere of the Teatro Real, the audience certainly knew what to expect and were not disappointed.

Paquito D`Rivera has a fine musical heritage behind him, spanning practically every style imaginable, and was brought to prominence when playing with students` favourite Cuban band Irakere (well, they were big in the 80s!) alongside some incredible compatriates such as Arturo Sandoval.

I`m afraid I wasn`t nearly so familiar with Chano Domínguez, but he`s obviously very popular in his home country, and plays a mean piano, blending in very well with D`Rivera`s band. The two soloists bounce off each other quite naturally, and certainly telegraph their intentions clearly enough for some highly impressive ensemble work.

The programme is an interesting one, consisting mainly of compositions by the two leads, and each has quite a disctinctive voice. I particularly liked Domínguez`s `Blues imaginario` with its bizarrely modern opening.

The homage to Puccini and the set in which they were playing, in the shape of a variation on Musetta`s aria from Bohème isn`t so successful, but with a little more time in working things out could become a mini-classic. I`m not sure it helped things when D`Rivera rushed off for an apparent `comfort break` half-way through, but hey, that`s jazz!

Overall then, a fine addition to the Opus-Arte listings, and one which should definitely appeal to a wide audience. It`s certainly the perfect tribute to Miguel `Angá` Díaz, who very sadly died 4 months later aged only 46.