Jazz Reviews : Cuban Pianist Dazzles in Rare U.S. Date

It’s unfair to think of Jesus (Chucho) Valdes simply as an Afro-Cuban pianist. Though the rhythms of his homeland dominated Thursday’s concert at the Cal State Northridge Performing Arts Center, Valdes transcended category with a dazzling, wide-ranging display at the keyboard.

Best known in the United States as a founding member of the Cuban jazz band Irakere, which originally included trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, Valdes is now making his first stateside appearances in 16 years. Working in a sextet that included fellow Irakere member bassist Carlos del Puerto, he brought a strong, percussive approach to both son and mambo rhythms as well as to a host of jazz beats.

Opening solo, the pianist created swirling, impressionistic lines punctuated with sharp, short phrases. He hinted variously at McCoy Tyner, Cecil Taylor and Art Tatum before dissolving into an intense melodic statement that recalled Keith Jarrett at his most animated. Finally, a furious exchange between left and right hands dissolved into the familiar clave pace as the rhythm was picked up by drummer Alex Acun~a and percussionist Luis Conte.

From there, Valdes became much more his own man, weaving a reserved, yet sultry spell on the bolero “Claudia,” then dancing assertively across the keys on his own “Mambo Influenciado” (Valdes father, Bebo Valdes, was one of the prime movers in the mambo movement).

The second half of the show was given over to jazz, with Valdes showing tremendous facility and a gripping sense of development on swing, walk and boogaloo rhythms. He melded lines from Gershwin and Joe Zawinul into his playing, while moving easily between an array of moods and intensities.

The rhythm section, which included guitarist Carlos Emilio Morales, complemented their leader in strong style, following his every pitch with a dense layer of percussion. Saxophonist Justo Almario played with fire equal to Valdes’, occasionally relying too heavily on quoting lines from the jazz canon.

* Valdes appears Sunday at the Ruth B. Shanon Center for the Performing Arts, Whittier College, 13406 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, 7 p.m. $16, $13.50 for students and seniors. Information: (310) 907-4835.