El Espíritu Jíbaro (The Jíbaro Spirit) is an album by trombonist Roswell Rudd and cuatro player Yomo Toro. It was recorded during 2002–2006 at various locations, and was released by Sunnyside Records in 2007 as part of their Soundscape Series. On the album, Rudd and Toro are accompanied by drummer, percussionist Bobby Sanabria and his ensemble Ascensión. Sanabria acted also as co-producer with Verna Gillis and arranger. El Espíritu Jíbaro is a continuation of the cross-cultural experiments that Rudd began pursuing with 2002's Malicool and 2005's Blue Mongol.[1][2][3]
In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow wrote: "The rhythm sections... are full of power and effortless polyrhythms, there are occasional vocals, and the personnel and instrumentation change from cut to cut, holding one's interest throughout."[2]
Brent Burton of Jazz Times stated that Rudd's "trombone playing has seldom sounded so good," while Toro "can't help but elevate the setting. He's that good."[4]
The Village Voice's Francis Davis commented: "There are no slavish bows to 'authenticity' here: Though the adjoining 'Preludo' and 'El Amor' are respectively identified as a marcha/danza moderna and a bolero moruno in the liner notes, Rudd's arrangements and baleful solos transform them into dirge-like anthems as stirring as the ones Carla Bley showcased him on in the '70s."[5]
Tom Hull praised Rudd for "just being the great trombonist he's always been."[6]