Since emerging as a teenage prodigy in his native Cuba during the 1980s, Gonzalo Rubalcaba has, once settled in the United States, released a series of critically acclaimed albums in a variety of formats including solo, trio, quartet and quintet. One of his best, ‘Supernova’ from 2001 comprised an all-Cuban rhythm section and a wonderful reworking of the old chestnut ‘El Manisero’. For his latest offering, ‘Avatar’ Rubalcaba again teams up with a Cuban compatriot in composer and saxophonist Yosvany Terry, but this time with a contemporary American feel and little or no Cuban influence. If anything this harks back to the abstract sounds of Steve Coleman’s M-Base collective from the mid-1980s. Thus a groove-oriented feel pervades proceedings with use of electronic keyboards. The quintet are at their best on the more reflective pieces such as ‘Preludo Corto no. 2’ and Horace Silver’s ‘Peace’. However, contemporary post-bop listeners will find much to enjoy in the more uptempo numbers. Not necessarily the ideal surroundings in which to showcase Rubalcaba’s pianistic virtuosity, but an accomplished set nonetheless and one that cements his already excellent reputation.
