Chuchito Valdes Quartet

Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdez has been writing music and leading bands for more than 50 years now, arcing an impressive career across time and continents. He’s also a five-time Grammy winner, for those who use such things as benchmarks. Either way, Chuchito is an icon in the Afro-Cuban jazz scene, and his music is accessible even to those who are unfamiliar with that musical tradition. His 2014 album, Reflections, covers a lot of territory and spotlights numerous other great musicians. Check out “Estefano,” where Chuchito himself carves a funky melody across the ivories and ebonies, leading bass and sax and drums into thrilling waters. (Eric Sandy)