One of my favorite jazz songs, "Una Muy Bonita," is an Ornette Coleman song from his Change of the Century. The album as a whole is not a favorite of mine, but "Una Muy Bonita" and the bluesy "Ramblin'" are highlights. "Una Muy Bonita," in particular, is fascinating because of its Caribbean/Latin sound, which is alluded to by the Spanish title. The upbeat melody, polyrhythms, and the horns sound like Caribbean music, like a mixture of Cuban and other pan-Caribbean styles. Ornette on alto sax and Don Cherry on a muted pocket trumpet, especially sound Caribbean, as well as drummer Billy Higgins. Higgins brief drum solo and Charlie Haden's (great white jazz bassist who began his music career as a country and folk singer) bass takes the song into interesting directions. Haden's bass introduction to the song actually introduces a type of Latin/Afro-Caribbean clave/ostinato that sets up the entire song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=405MdvmBoAU
The Bobby Hutcherson cover, from his Stick Up! album released in 1966. Featuring Joe Henderson and pianist McCoy Tyner, this cut has strong bluesy, funky elements lacking in Ornette's piece. Indeed, Hutcherson on vibes, Henderson's sax, and McCoy Tyner's solos are rooted in the blues, while drummer Billy Higgins keeps the Afro-Caribbean beat going. I could not say that this recording is better, but its jubilant, celebratory blues-rooted improvisation which features call and response between the soloist and the group. Like Caribbean music meant for dancing, this version's more danceable and probably better captures the mood evoked in the title of "Una Muy Bonita."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdzTWHEdTLQ
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