Havana-born pianist Chucho Valdés – the granddaddy of Afro-Cuban jazz – has been on fire of late, touring with a younger quartet whose energy and chops never quite overshadow the regard they have for their leader. This quite brilliant recording, the bookend to Valdés’ 1972 album Jazz Bata on Cuban label Egrem, further explores traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and beliefs through a combination of double-headed bata drum and some fierce, wildly inspired piano. Having led Irakere to supergroup status, and collaborated with Arturo O’Farrill on a 2017 tribute to their fathers, both icons of Cuban jazz, Valdés’ delight in revisiting his roots is palpable on tracks such as ‘Chico’s Mood’, a seven-minute slice of descarga-fuelled heaven that references Billy Strayhorn’s ‘Take The A-Train’, and the danzonmambo ‘100 Años de Bebo’, which features fragments of a tune written by Chucho’s dad Bebo, a cheeky salsa-fied guajeo/tumbao from Chucho and much spirited bowing from star guest, violinist Regina Carter. Elsewhere, Santeria deities including Ochun and Obatala get their dues; fine solos from musicians including bassist Heredia flesh out the spiritual dimension.