Machito was a Cuban jazz and salsa musician and bandleader who played an important role in the evolution of these musical genres. His real name was Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo. He was born in 1908 in Santiago de Cuba and began his musical career in the 1920s playing traditional Cuban music.
He later formed the group Machito and his Afro-Cubans in 1940, which introduced elements of jazz and rhythm and blues into Cuban music. This led to the creation of a new genre called ‘Afro-Cuban jazz'.
Machito and his band were also pioneers of salsa, combining elements of traditional Cuban music with modern Afro-Cuban rhythms. He continued to play and record music until his death in 1984. Machito's popular songs include Mambo Mania and Tanga. He is considered one of the greatest salsa musicians of all time.
He also played with Charlie Parker and Dizzie Gillespie, who is featured on the song Tin Tin Deo.
The Kenya album
“Kenya” is considered a classic Afro-Cuban jazz album and is appreciated for its innovative approach to salsa that blends traditional rhythms with elements of jazz and funk. The album was recorded with top musicians in New York and the arrangements are tight and effective.
However, some critics feel that the saxophone solos lack individuality and passion. Some tracks are more ambitious, such as Minor Rama and Tuturato. Critics feel that the album could have been split into several albums as it can sometimes sound rushed and anachronistic.