Chico OFarrill: Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite

Chico OFarrill, an important Latin jazz pioneer, achieved success as a bandleader, composer and arranger. OFarrill was also a trumpet player, and this extended composition features that instrument -- and was recorded several times, including versions with Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie as the soloist. This recording, overseen by Norman Granz for Verve Records, captures OFarrills band at the pinnacle of its sound in the early 1950s. In addition to work with his own band, OFarrill is responsible for many arrangements played by the Machito, Gillespie and Kenton bands. The Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite is one of OFarrills masterpieces.