The son of a popular Cuban TV personality, former child prodigy Rodriguez had a strong classical training background (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart etc) before hearing Keith Jarrett at the age of 15. In 2006, he performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he so impressed Quincy Jones that he became Alfredo's mentor and is officially co-producer (with Rodriguez) of this follow-up to 2008's Sound of Space. It's basically a reassessment of the Cuban music from his upbringing, including rhythms from Santiago in Eastern Cuba, country music and the Afro-Cuban connection. He's chosen a multinational group of musicians to perform the arrangements, with Spalding guesting on two tracks and the brilliant Pedrito Martinez on four. Dafnis Prieto's labelmate saxist Filiu is heavily featured on soprano, mimicking the Chinese trumpet sound of the Santiago street festival ensembles in the storming opening title track. As a contrast to the tightly orchestrated ensemble pieces, which also have much variety, Rodriguez features two trio tracks, playing almost unrecognisable highly exploratory versions of those hoary old latin pop chestnuts ‘Quizas, Quizas, Quizas’ and ‘Guantanamera’. Martinez’ percussion and several highly emotional vibrant vocals are outstanding, especially on the closing contemporary Cubanrhythmed dance track ‘Cubisimo’, where Rodriguez emphasises his desire to never create a gulf between intellectual elements and the dancer's needs. “It happened in jazz and it was very damaging,” he says. I'll second that! Alfredo has a great future ahead. This is an exceptional recording of its kind.