The verdict is in – the recently released album, El Duelo, is getting rave reviews! This unique album is a piano-less Latin Jazz quartet with Diego Urcola’s Quartet featuring Paquito D’Rivera. We’ve included below some of our favorite reviews.
With over 30 years of collaboration, Paquito D’Rivera and Diego Urcola are well-matched in tackling an ensemble combination rarely, if ever, performed in the Latin Jazz genre. El Duelo has fifteen tracks spanning several jazz styles ranging from jazz standards to tangos.
Members comprising the quartet are Diego Urcola on trumpet and flugelhorn, Paquito D’Rivera on alto saxophone and clarinet, Hamish Smith on bass, and Eric Doob on drums. Production and engineering by Luis Bacque. Read more.
Check out the reviews and let us know what you think of El Duelo in the comments.
NPR Music program “Fresh Air”
“In a typical Latin jazz band, piano is the spine where harmony and rhythm connect. Take piano out, the texture opens up, even if bass and drums keep vamping away. It’s not like they all need piano to stay on a song’s grid. Paquito’s agreeably busy playing is steeped in hyperactive bebop. He fills in rhythm and harmony on his own. The open texture leaves the horns exposed, his alto and clarinet and Urcola’s piercing or veiled-sounding trumpet or flugelhorn.”
“Along the way, there are many feisty solos over springy rhythm and moments of surprising beauty. Even if you’re choosy, there is a lot to like here.”
“Latin Jazz Album ‘El Duelo‘ Features Lively Solos and Moments of Surprising Beauty”
By Kevin Whitehead
Latin Jazz Network – Editor’s Pick
“This is an ambitious venture by any measure, especially so as the brilliance of the musicians and this music is sustained over fifteen pieces.”
“To be engaged in a thrillingly opulent event is something that most musicians pursue but might luck into once in their career. El Duelo may just be that event for both Mr Urcola and Mr D’Rivera; an album that nourishes music – as well as body and soul.”
“Diego Urcola Quartet ft. Paquito D’Rivera: El Duelo“ by Raul Da Gama
All About Jazz
“If El Duelo was an experiment, it is resoundingly successful. Full of surprises, with terrific playing all around. Encore, please!”
“Diego Urcola Quartet: El Duelo“
By Mark Sullivan
The New York City Jazz Record
“A smart combination of tangos, jazz standards and repertoire gleaned from the ensemble format mirrored on this album makes for a scintillating, constantly invigorating program of 15 tracks brimming with highlights.”
“Diego Urcola Quartet (featuring Paquito D’Rivera)”
by George Kanzler
November issue, page 26
Jazz Blues News
“Diego Urcola’s inspired idea to bring long-time collaborator Paquito D’Rivera into a piano-less quartet to record El Duelo focuses listeners onto two fantastic musicians performing at their musical peaks.”
“CD review: Diego Urcola Quartet and Paquito D’Rivera – El Duelo 2020″
