Arturo Sandoval – Sangú (TM Records, 2026)
Cuban trumpet maestro Arturo Sandoval’s new album Sangú presents a remarkable amalgam of Cuban musical traditions such as Afro-Cuban percussion, Yoruba-inspired elements, Cuban rural music and melodic traditions. This is all intertwined with bebop, jazz harmony, and funk rhythms.
Sandoval, a 10-time Grammy winner, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Emmy-winning composer, Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, and 2024 Kennedy Center Honoree, developed the project with his son, Arturo “Tury” Sandoval III, and daughter-in-law and manager Melody Lisman. The trio collaborated closely throughout the creative process.
The album also revisits ideas associated with Irakere, the influential and innovative Cuban contemporary jazz ensemble Sandoval co-founded alongside Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera. However, Sangú is presented as a contemporary work rather than a recreation of that era. It combines decades of experience into a more personal musical statement.
Several tracks highlight different aspects of Sandoval’s artistry. “Scat” features his scat singing alongside trumpet improvisation, while “Red Trumpet” emphasizes melody. On the other hand, “Babalu Ayé” reflects spirituality connected to San Lázaro. The title track, “Sangú,” brings together powerful Afro-Cuban percussion, jazz-influenced horn arrangements, and Cuban melodies.
Additional tracks include “El Río Suena,” “Azulito,” “With The People,” “Panza,” “La Ventura,” “Days in the Sun,” “New Paradise,” and “Rolling Hills.”
The project received early support from Daisuke Oda and Darren Romanelli through Magic House in Tokyo. Their involvement helped advance the album from its earliest stages and contributed to its development and completion.
Musicians: William Brahm on guitar; Daniel Feldman on drums; Maximilian Gerl on bass; Lisandro Pidre on piano and keyboards;
Samuel Torres on percussion; Michael Tucker on tenor saxophpone; Paul Nowell on trombone; Bob Sheppard on alto and baritone saxophones and flute; and Arturo Sandoval on trumpets and vocals.
Recording Engineers: Pete Min – Lucy’s Meat Market; and Patricio Rosario – Sandoval Studios.
Miles Senzaki – Pre-productio. Mixed by: Peter Mokran. Mastered by: Bernie Grundman.
Buy Sangú.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
