GET JAZZED: ALEJANDRO’S TOP 5 CUBAN JAZZ RECOMMENDATIONs
Lino Piquero Bueno, Eduardo Sandoval and Andy García || Photo by Ariel Cecilio Lemus
Cuba has so many unique experiences to offer, and one attraction not to miss is the Cuban jazz scene. It’s actually one of the reasons our Cuba Program Director, Alejandro moved to the island over 10 years ago! So if you’re traveling to Cuba and looking for things to do in Havana, be sure to catch a live show. You won’t be disappointed.
To help, Alejandro put together a list of recommended, up-and-coming, plus tried-and-true Cuban jazz musicians to check out. Whether you’re a Cuba aficionado, jazz enthusiast, or looking for new music and live shows, we think you’ll enjoy these tunes.
So without further ado, here’s Alejandro’s Top 5 Cuban Jazz Recommendations (in no particular order — that’s way too hard) plus an off-the-cuff recommendation at the end.
ALEJANDRO’S TOP 5 CUBAN JAZZ RECOMMENDATIONS
2. Irakere: Any talk of Cuban jazz can’t go without mentioning this groundbreaking Cuban jazz group from the 70s. Enjoy a full concert from 1979.
3. Yissy García: Daughter of percussionist Bernardo García, founder of Irakere and Arturo Sandoval’s band — watch out for this Cuban percussionist as she showcases true talent. We aren’t the only fans:
If your knowledge of Cuban music stops at Buena Vista Social Club, let me introduce you to drummer Yissy García. She and her band, Bandancha, are perfect examples of how today's Cuban musicians ignore boundaries to create stylistic hybrids that have yet to develop accurate descriptions — or even names. - NPR
4. Machito and His Afro-Cubans - Kenya (album): Combining Cuban music with orchestrations derived from swing, the Kenya (1957) album, reaffirmed Cubans as true contenders in the New York jazz scene. Don’t just take our word for it.
5. Ruy López Nussa y La Academia: Ruy hails from a family of several generations of well-known and accomplished musicians. He himself is a percussionist. Enjoy this video of la familia López-Nussa in action.
*BONUS* Alejandro’s off-the-cuff jazz recommendation: Watch Chico y Rita (2010) animated feature film about the love between two Cuban musicians and the history of Afro-Cuban jazz. It won the Goya Award for Best Animated Film and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 84th Academy Awards (the first-ever nomination for a Spanish full-length animated film).
Keen for more? Listen to up-and-coming Cuban musicians, Yissy García, Yasel Muñoz, and Claudio González, and connect with us for updates on when we will resume our next Cuban Jazz Experience Tour.
Meanwhile, tune in and turn it up, and continue to Dream Now, Travel Later.
