Frank Emilio Flynn Albums (11)
'Cuban Danzas & Danzones'
Release Date 6/11/2007
Tracks 26
Label Yemaya
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'Musica Original de Cuba'
Release Date 1/10/2006
Tracks 16
Label Empire Musicwerks
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What The Critics Say
Frank Emilio Flynn is one of the most revered and cherished musicians in the history of Cuban music. His career lasted more than six decades. He was present during every major shift in Cuban music in the 20th century. He died at the age of 80 in 2001. Danzas y Danzones Cubanos was recorded in 1959 for the Sonotone label. The label, run by Manuel Mato, documented many of the most important Cuban musicians. Its catalog, administered by Sound Triangle, is highly sought after by collectors and aficionados of Cuban music. In 1959, this set was actually sanctioned by the Cuban government. It was meant to be preserved as a historical document in the Cuban History Museum. It is now a part of the Musica Original de Cuba series on the Empire Records label distributed by Universal. This set is a new, officially licensed issue of the material that appeared on the Ans label in 1998 and quickly disappeared. As for the music, it's simply astonishing. Flynn was a pianist's pianit. He was classically trained and brought the music from the classical tradition into Cuban jam sessions in the 1930s, the fantastic orquesta tipicas in the '50s, and of course to his passio, the Cuban jazz of the 1960s. From "Anita," the first track, Flynn begins a journey, through the various classical dance styles like waltzes, minuets, polkas, mazurkas, and so on. All of these had been brought to Cuba by the French at the beginning of the 19th century. They were quickly transformed, however, by Creole and then Afro-Cuban influence. Flynn's road wraps itself around the historical tradition and continues evolving, introducing new rhythms and accents to these styles beginning with "El Canon." By the time the album reaches its tenth cut, the glorious "Tres Lindas Cubanas" (the longest cut here, at just over six minutes), percussion has been brought into the music and Flynn is laying out the foundations for rumba inside a minuet! The skewed rhythmic structure in "Virgen de Regala" transforms classical music and makes it entirely Cuban, not so much burying its influence, but by thoroughly incorporating it into a new folk form created from song as well as dance. "La Belleza" becomes a serious cha cha and the more strident accents on the back beats is unmistakable. This is the European tradition turned inside out. Danzas y Danzones Cubanos is a delight from start to finish; it's a classic for the manner in which it bridges history, to be sure, but more importantly as music to be heard and enjoyed. It's truly wonderful that Empire has brought this treasure back on CD. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
'Amor & Piano'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 10
Label Creative Associates
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'Abanicos Y Vitrales Danzones Antologicos'
Release Date 2/27/2001
Tracks 13
Label Egrem
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'Ancestral Reflections'
Release Date 1/1/1999
Tracks 9
Label Blue Note
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What The Critics Say
Pianist Frank has recorded, albeit infrequently, in combo settings, and has interpreted the music of Cuban classicist Ernesto Lecuona. For this one he pulls out the entire Afro-Cuban arsenal of rhythms and "son" stylings. Frank features a good mix of clave, rhumba, descarga, romantico, and Latin based pieces with a flair that is not as frantic as Eddie Palmieri or Chucho Valdes, but is easily as literate and skilled. Among the nine musicians are the great percussionists Tata Guines and Changuito, wooden flute player Joaquin Gavilan, bassist William Rubalcaba, two violinists, and two singers. The kicker "Sasaumo" is an 11-minute jam with plenty of room for all to take solos, while the closer, the title track, has a languid piano line that leads to collective percussion workouts, including Enrique Varona, Tata Guines on congas, and Changuito on timbales. The middle includes some treasures like the very famous and well done "Bilongo," the flute riff clave "La Mulata Rumbera" with guiro scratcher solo from Varona, and Frank's purposefully tipsy, off-kilter piano chords accenting "Rumba Elegante," with plucked strings from Lazaro Enriquez and Pablo Suarez, and a bold flute solo by Gavilan. On the romantic side is "Rico Melao" sung by Juan Masa and Enrique Orama, with more violins and flute, the very slow "Pueblo Nuevo," and a spanish guitar intro for "El Arroyo Que Murmura" that gives you another hint as to the origins of Afro-Cuban expressionism. Frank may be the last wave of great pianists to be recognized in the '90s, but that does not mean he's the least. In fact if the staggering technique of Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Valdes, or Palmieri is a bit much, Frank might fill the bill, as does Ruben Gonzalez. Get hip to Frank Emilio on this very, very good recording. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
'Antología da la Música Cubana'
Release Date 9/15/1998
Tracks 16
Label Ans
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'A Tiempo de Danzon'
Release Date 4/28/1998
Tracks 10
Label Milan Latino
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What The Critics Say
A Tiempo de Danzon is Frank Emilio Flynn's salute to the Cuban dance music called "danzon." Working with a number of guest artists -- including Joaquin Oliveros, Enrique Lazaga and William Rubalcaba -- Flynn captures the wildly romantic sound of the danzon, incorporating some stylish contemporary rhythms into the older forms. The result is a thoroughly intoxicating and quite wonderful record. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
'Tribute to Ernesto Lecuona'
Release Date 11/25/1997
Tracks 24
Label Milan Latino
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What The Critics Say
Frank Emilio Flynn's Tribute to Ernesto Lecuona is an affectionate salute to one of the most prolific and influential Cuban composers of the 20th century. Through a selection of Lecuona's suites, dances and small pieces, Flynn illustrates the depth of Lecuona's work, as well as the influence the piano had on Flynn. It's both educational and entertaining, which is a credit to both Flynn and Lecuona. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
'Interpreta a Ignacio Cervantes'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 24
Label Egrem
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