Farewell to Bebo Valdes

The inventor of the Batanga was a legendary figure in Cuban music who spawned a legacy that will live beyond his seed, beyond his talent and his gifts. He touched audiences and inspired his fans, colleagues and peers, aweing them with a prowess that looked simplistic in the hands of the master composer, arranger, and pianist. His Sabor de Cuba Orchestra and unique arranging style defined the sound of singers like Rita Montaner, Rolando Laserie, Benny Moré and Vicentico Valdes. He was the rule by which all other Cuban pianists and arrangers would be measured. Sabor was his stock in trade as was evident on the earliest Panart jam sessions with cohorts Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Tata Guines and Chombo Silva. Throughout the 40's and 50's El Caballon was a prominent force on the Cuban Jazz scene. He played with Woody Herman in Havana and in 1958 he recorded an album with Nat King Cole titled "Cole Español"produced by Norman Granz. Bebo Valdes will be missed by all those who loved him and by the fans of Sabor de Cuba. Farewell Bebo, Ibae Ibae  Ntonu Timbelese Olodumare.




A sample Bebo Valdes Discography

1952  

Con Poco Coco                                               Mercury

1955 

Mambo Caliente, Mambo Riff                      Decca

1957 

Dile a Catalina, Tumbao, Special Del Bebo Gema

1957 

Me Recordaras, Solo Contigo Basta             Gema

1959

Cuban Dance Party                                        Empire Music Group Inc.

1992

Todo Ritmo                                                     Egrem

1994

Bebo Rides Again                                          Messidor

1995

Mucho Sabor                                                 Essential Media Group

2001

El Arte del Sabor                                          Blue Note

2001

Descargas del Bebo                                      Orfeon

2004

El Manisero                                                Universal Music Latino / Dimienta

2004 

Gaupacha Con Bebo Valdes y Sus Amigos Caney

2004

We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together Calle54/BMG Spain

2004

Descarga Caliente                                        Caney

2004

Lagrimas Negras                                         RCA Victor


2005

Bebo de Cuba                                              BMG

2006

Bebo                                  WEA Latina / Union Music Group / Union Records

2007

Sabor de Cuba                                             MVD / Malanga Music

2007

Bebo and Cachao                                  Rhino / Warner Bros UK / Warner Jazz

2007

Live at the Village Vanguard                     Sony BMG

2008

Juntos Para Siempre                                 Calle 54 Records

2008 

Todo Ritmo                                                Prodisc

2009

Dinastia Valdes                                         Sony BMG

2011

Chico & Rita                                   Sony Classical / Sony Music Latin



Babalu                                                      Essential Media


Habana


Habana 24 Blue





                                                 
-------Onel Mulet for Habana/Harlem®