In 1998, Cuba commemorated the 50th anniversary of Chano Pozo´s decease (1915-1948), the out-of-this-world tumbadora player who conquered and revolutionized the fascinating jazz world with his deep-rooted Afro-Cuban influence. As a tribute paid by young generations to the great Chano Pozo, a group of exceptional Cuban musicians decided to join Jorge Reyes (Irakere`s bass player) in his idea to record "Tributo a Chano Pozo" (Tribute to Chano Pozo) edited that same year by the BIS Music label.
Thus, an occasional All Star was created under the musical direction of Jorge Reyes who made the arrangement and played the bass. Reyes relied on the invaluable support of Germán Velazco (Pablo Milanés saxophonist) who was in charge of the musical production, the arrangements and the interpretation of high and soprano sax, as well as the flute.
Likewise, this group was made up by Miguel Angel de Armas, "Pan con salsa", the virtuoso piano player; Julio Padrón, trumpet player and currently mem
ber of the Afro Cubas May Star; the outstanding pitch of vocalist Félix Valió and José Pérez as its violinist.
The luxury percussion included Tomás "El Panga" Ramos in the congas and minor percussion and Emilio del Monte not only playing the pailas but also in the choirs. To achieve ecstasy, Tata Guines, another invaluable exponent of Cuban percussion, joined the All Star group.
As a record, "Tributo a Chano Pozo", displays the geniality of all its musicians who managed to approach, with both rigor and good taste, Chano Pozo´s work by impregnating it with freshness and modernity. The record includes outstanding pieces such as "Manteca" composed by Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie, "Tin Tin Deo" by Chano Pozo and Walter "Gil" Fuller, "Nagüe" and other eight famous pieces in the Latin jazz world.
"Tributo a Chano Pozo" is considered one of the best contributions made to the Cuban sonorous art during the 1990`s.
