Chucho Valdes’ Dedicated Rumba to Bebo

Cuban keyboardist Chucho Valdes paid tribute, at Barcelona’s Barts hall on October 29, to Bebo Valdes, with his Rumba for Bebo. On stage, Chucho emceed an evening that gave attendees the opportunity to enjoy the most danceable music of the late piano master.

This event has been taking place since October 19, as part of Barcelona’s Jazz Festival, which dedicates its 45^th edition to Bebo Valdes.

Chucho Valdes and his Afro-Cuban Messengers were accompanied by Cuban rumberos, corps de ballet, pianists Mauricio Vallina and Paloma Manfugas, as well as special guests like Javier Masso Caramelo, Omar Sosa, Lazara Cachao, Jerry Gonzalez, Javier Colina and Bebo’s younger daughter, Mayra Caridad.

Border-Free Autumn

Cuban musician Chucho is going to be on a Spain tour in autumn so as to put on the map his latest CD, Border-Free, which was launched in July under Jazz Village label.

After his participation in Barcelona’s Jazz Festival, Chucho is scheduled to have performances on stages of Girona (October 31, Auditori), Manresa (November 1, Kursaal), Cartagena (November 8, Jazz Festival), Zaragoza (November 9, Jazz Festival), A Corunna (November 13, Jazzatlantica) and Seville (November 15, Teatro de la Maestranza).

According to Europa Press, Border-Free includes allusions to flamenco, the music of Marruecos’ Gnawa and the matchless ritual music of Orishas, divinities of Afro-Cuban religion; likewise, there are elements of hard-bop, danzon, Bach, Rachmaninoff and Miles Davis, everything seasoned by Chucho Valdes’s style.

In this regard, the musician has expressed: “I’ve liked taking different elements, mixing them and seeing what happens since I was just a student. And step by step, after years of experience, I found my way”, Valdes says. “And I love it, because it’s a search that takes you to do some research and study. It’s not only about Afro-Cuban music. I’m always looking for new things”, he adds.

Border-Free is nominated for the Latin Grammy this year in the Best Jazz Album category. The awards will be delivered in November.

Source: Suenacubano