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Vervemusic.com:
At the invitation of pianist Chucho Valdes - a legendary figure among Cuban players, and the founder and leader of the celebrated band Irakere - Roy Hargrove brings his quintet to Havana to play in an annual jazz festival. On the surface, it seems like just another gig to Hargrove: another flight, another chance to meet musicians but Larry Clothier, Hargrove's manager, sensed a greater promise. And indeed Clothier was right, Roy Hargrove's talents will naturally take him many places in the coming decades. None are likely to affect him - or be affected by him- as deeply and powerfully as Havana.

Reviewer:
From the opening and haunting lines of "O my seh yeh" repeated by guitarist Russell Malone to the driving "Mambo for Roy," we have a CD that showcases the talents of Roy Hargrove but further explores the amazing directions currently being taken by Latin Jazz. There is an enormous array of originality and extremely creative forces driving this music. Chucho Valdez, the creator and driving spirit behind Cuba's sensational, "Irakeri" contributes his writing skills as well as his highly innovative piano artistry. David Sanchez continues to amaze and forge ahead within the Latin Idiom while remaining fresh and opening up new avenues of exploration. Listen to his haunting solo on "Mountaings." Frank Lacy complements the group with some highly spirited trombone solos behind some crispy chords from Chucho and a driving rhythm section.

Roy Hargrove is of the lyrical playing vernacular. However, the man can cook with the best. If you are a skeptic, listen to him on "Afrodisia." His ability and grasp of the Latin musical forces comes through this CD with clarity, force, and originality. I highly recommend this music to the Latino aficionado or the new kid on the block looking to get his feet wet in the world of salsa and the clave.

Reviewer:
This highly acclaimed 1997 musical meeting between rising American trumpet star, Roy Hargrove, and a collection of Cuban musicians including Chucho Valdes, founder of Irakere, is indeed a fine piece of music making. Given the politics of our times, much was made of the rapprochement between Cuban and American musicians. However, if you approach it expecting to hear something like most contemporary Cuban dance or popular music, you may initially be disappointed. The Cuban influence is subtle rather than blatant; the dominant flavor comes from the jazz tradition. But let it work its magic on you over a few listens and the inner strengths of the two styles become entwined, the sophistication of the vision will transport you to some place where only music, and not politics, matter. These musicians work together like the fingers on your hand.

Personnel:
Roy Hargrove Trumpet, Flugelhorn
David Sanchez Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Frank Lacy Trombone
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez Drums
Jose Luis "Changuito" Quintana Timbales
Miguel "Anga" Diaz Congas
Chucho Valdes Piano
John Benitez Bass
Gary Bartz Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Russell Malone Guitar

Tracks:
1. O My Seh Yeh
2. Una Mas
3. Dream Traveler
4. Nusia's Poem
5. Mr. Bruce
6. Ballad For The Children
7. Mountaings
8. Afrodisia
9. Mambo For Roy
10. O My Seh Yeh (Reprise)