Recording information: Hit Factory And Criteria Studios, Miami, FL (06/08/2005-06/10/2005).
Photographer: Jana Leon.
The virtuoso Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba performs a variety of standards and original compositions on this remarkable stylistic display. While Rubalcaba is obviously capable of jaw-dropping feats of pianistic skill, on SOLO he more frequently opts for an understated approach that creates a nuanced setting for his lyrical flights of fancy. Combining Cuban rhythms and impressionistic neo-classical forms, this collection of improvisations is spellbinding, with the delicacy of a spider's web and the underlying resilience of a rock-solid technical foundation.
Professional Reviews
Down Beat (p.69) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "SOLO is generally measured, lush and romantic....The disc's real threat comes on 'Prologo,' which is more vigorous, more overtly Latin, rollicking and playful, punctuated with moments of darkness and ambiguity."
JazzTimes (p.78) - "Accept SOLO for what it is -- spontaneous inner dialogue from a brilliant, inquisitive mind -- and your enjoyment of this album will be considerably enhanced."
