MG C-505: Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite / Machito and his Orchestra

	Label Type :	black/gold Mercury type A
	Matrix Number :	SIDE-A	MG C508A    C505A
		SIDE-B	MG C508B    C508B

Comments

Judging from matrix imprints/inscriptions, this album was once assigned to MG C-508, then renumbered to this MG C-505.

This label looks strange - the “Deep Groove” is not on the label paper, while I can see the deep groove itself on the disc under the label (as a matter of fact, the label paper on Side-A is nearly peeling off and I can inspect the deep groove under the label). It is possible that this disc was pressed without the label - then a staff noticed the fact and glued the label on the disc.

Inside The Groove

The famous banquet of supreme blend of Cuban music and Modern Jazz.

Personal Impression (and brief notes)

The famous producer/supervisor Norman Granz was said to get prompted by Stan Kenton's “Cuban Episode” recorded in early 1950. Then Mr. Granz started to record Afro-Cuban flavoured jazz albums using Cuban musicians.

This album is Mr. Granz's first attempt to an unique blend of Modern Jazz and Cuban rhythms, with the help of Machito (bandleader) and Chico O'Farrill (arranger). Collective personnel includes gorgeous members such as Charlie Parker, Flip Phillips, Buddy Rich, Harry Edison et al. Their fruitful improvisations backed up with steady but swingy latin rhythms sounds so attractive.

Definitely one of the masterpiece in the jazz history.

Strictly Personal Rating (to what extent I could enjoy this album)

8 out of 10

Track Listing

Personnel

Personnel/recorded date/master numbers confirmed with the Ruppli's discography.
(“The Mercury Labels - A Discography” by Ruppli and Novitsky, Greenwood Press, 1993)

Machito and his Orchestra:
Mario Bauzá (tp), Frank “Paquito” Davilla (tp), Harry Edison (tp),
Al Stewart (tp), Bob Woodlen (tp), unknown (cl),
Gene Johnson (as), Charlie Parker (as), Fred Skerritt (as),
Jose Madera (ts), Flip Phillips (ts), Sol Rabinowitz (ts, bs), Leslie Johnakins (bs),
Rene Hernandez (p), Roberto Rodriguez (b), Buddy Rich (ds),
Rafael Miranda (conga), Chano Chino Pozo (conga), Jose Mangual (bongo), Ubaldo Nieto (timbales),
Machito (maracas), Chico O'Farrill (arr, cond).
Recorded in New York City on December 21, 1950.

The Artist Also Appears on...

Jackets

Front	Back

Labels

Side A	Side B