PORTRAITS OF CUBA reflects the musical odyssey of Paquito D’Rivera, a unique blend of Cuban and Jazz music that re-affirms both the artist's Cuban roots and his love for the American art form.

Far beyond the realm of popular music, it is a jazz musicians's tribute to the enduring legacy of Cuba, beautifully orchestrated by arranger and conductor Carlos Franzetti and impeccably performed by Mr. D'Rivera and eighteen seasoned musicians, each with a proven track record of excellence.

PORTRAITS OF CUBA was recorded live without overdubbing at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in New York City over a two day period in February of 1996, using a single, high resolution microphone set-up, capturing the beautiful and natural reverberation of the old church. As Producer David Chesky explained in 2025: “At Chesky, the goal for me was to make the best-sounding recordings we could.

It was about pursuing the perfect sound.” The selections encompass almost ten decades of Cuban music and are set to be reissued on SACD Hybrid Stereo and 180g One Step Pressing Vinyl LP.