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The only Rommel I knew prior seeing Ribiero was the German general. I do prefer guitars to tanks, so he became my favourite Rommel. He came to Canada in 2006 and was living for few years in London, England and toured in Europe. He is back in Canada and is part of music festivals in Montréal and rest of the country. In Toronto he was on stage with another great Canadian/ Brazilian singer and percussionist Aline Morales.
210. Dundas West; P1620189; Taken 2023-Jun 11. Upload 2023-Jun 22.
Vibração - Rommel Ribeiro & Band live @ Place des Arts - Montreal www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7ePRG77niY
OKAN is my favourite Cuban band in Toronto. Possibly it would be the best band in Havana too. Led by powerful duo of Elizabeth Rodriguez (voice, violin) and Magdelys Savigne (voice, percussions,) has a fresh approach to Cuban music. I've seen them first time shortly after going their own way in 2017, after saying goodbye to their first band Maqueque. Frank Martinez-drums, Marta Elena, Jorge keyboard, Roberto Riveron bass, Alejandro Cierra -trumpet and a trombonist, I did not recognized, were part of the best show of Dundas West Festival. This performance was taped for video, so I may be in it. On this photo is Magdelys with singer Marta Elena.
209. Dundas West; P1620418; Taken 2023-Jun 11. Upload 2023-Jun 18.
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OKAN - Espiral (Official Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=
OKAN es mi banda cubana favorita en Toronto. Posiblemente también sea la mejor banda de La Habana. Liderada por el poderoso dúo de Elizabeth Rodríguez (voz, violín) y Magdelys Savigne (voz, percusión), tiene un enfoque fresco de la música cubana. Los vi por primera vez poco después de que se separaran en 2017, tras despedirse de su primera banda, Maqueque. Frank Martínez (batería), Marta Elena, Jorge (teclado), Roberto Riverón (bajo), Alejandro Cierra (trompeta) y un trombonista que no reconocí, formaron parte del mejor espectáculo del Festival Dundas West. Esta presentación fue grabada en video, así que puede que yo aparezca. En esta foto está Magdelys con la cantante Marta Elena._Kcm_3q9Sjo
At this show in 'Tablao' it was a big orchestra, four singers and a big crowd, all doing the Salsa. Some Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo and Bolero thrown in for the sake of variety. The crowd is about 50-50 tourist-Habaneros thanks to reduced entry for local people. Tablao is fairly large club in the Gran Teatro of Habana with performances several times a week.
988. 2019-Nov 28; P1310685, Havana; Upload 2022-Apr 1. Lmx -ZS100
A diferencia del tango, para la salsa se necesita uno, pero dos es mejor.
En este show en Gran Teatro 'Tablao' había una gran orquesta, cuatro cantantes y una gran multitud, todos haciendo Salsa. Un poco de rumba, chachachá, mambo y bolero en aras de la variedad. La multitud es de unos 50-50 turistas-Habaneros gracias a la entrada reducida para la gente local. Tablao es un club bastante grande en el Gran Teatro de La Habana con actuaciones varias veces a la semana.
Jorge Reyes Hernández is revered and considered a legend in Havana.
I've seen him in 'La Fabrica', but not on stage. When I arrived, he was just finishing saying goodbye to many of his friends. It took quite a while. He is definitely a favourite of many musicians.
There is not a musician of note, Reyes did not play or recorded with (Carmen McRae, Roy Hargrove, Omara Portuondo, Max Roach, Paquito D'Rivera, Ruben Gonzalez, Cesária Évora). In the late 1970s, Jorge Reyes participated in the production of the Dizzy Gillespie documentary One Night in Havana. In 1981 he joined Arturo Sandoval's band, with whom he toured the world for more than 9 years. Jorge Reyes performed for years with the world-renowned Irakere group, led by Chucho Valdés.
Jorge Reyes (b. 1951) was selected by Roberto Fonseca, together with some of the top Cuban jazz musicians, to be with him on stage at the Teatro Nacional. With 2000 people in the audience, it was the final concert in Havana Jazz Festival. Felipe Cabrera is Fonseca's go-to bass player, but Reyes was welcome guest at this concert.
436. Havana P1340358; Taken 2025- Feb 02. Upload 2025-Aug 24.
David and Ben Perkoff performed several gigs in Havana. I was lucky to catch 2 of them, both at the multistage venue Pabellón Cuba. The cousins from California, are based in Berlin now. Ben "King" Perkoff plays his own compositions as well as Blues and Jazz standards. His brilliant playing on tenor, alto, baritone and the seldom played sopranino saxophone is complemented by his flute playing. The cousins joined youth orchestra led by the Cuban flute superstar Belinda Guerra in one of the concerts. The other concert also included Belinda Guerra and several Cuban and international guests. Some just spontaneously joined from their seats in the audience. That's how the shows often work at this jazz festival. Full of surprises.
473. Havana P1330774; Taken 2025- Feb 02. Upload 2026-May 27.
A classic Big Band, something you do not see often in Cuba. Led by Bruno Villalonga, the teenagers really sounded good; they played Horace Silver, Glenn Miller, Benny Golson music, but also Arturo Sandoval and Benny More. Most were around 14-15 years old, this boy looked about 10. all competent im their solos. All kids start as drummers, banging on pots and pans; the Cuban kids do not just bang, they make music.
468. Havana P1330884; Taken 2025-Feb 01. Upload 2026-Apr 16.
There is always music in Tablao, one of the halls in the massive complex of Gran Teatro. Rumba was on the menu and large ensemble was very professional. 4 Singers, 2 trumpets, sax, trombone, bongos, drummer, piano, bass and flute. That's 13 people! They can all sing and dance. In addition there were 4 pro dancers trying to lure people on the dance floor. It took a bit of alcohol to do the job, as the evening progressed. The place was filled with locals and tourist about 50/50.
074. TMR Taken 28. Nov 2019, P1310487; Uploaded 15. Dec 2020. Lmx -ZS100. Havana
The venue was "Teatro del Museo de Bellas Artes" and the show was Hermanos Abreu and friends. Betsy Salazar(?) was one of the invitees to play with the still teenage sons Diego and Fabio of percussionist Yaroldy Abreu Robles. There were 3 bassist alternating on the stage and Betsy captured my attention not only with her intricate hair style. I have never seen a bass player to play with such grace. It was a ballet of fingers on four strings. I am not sure of her last name, as it was either Salara or Salazar. I asked her, but probably misunderstood. Usually, I would find some reference, but I guess she is still in school, so her name is not yet familiar. Yunior Terry and Roberto Alvarez were the two other bassists on stage. I was sitting and talking with Ferdinand Stemmer, a Swiss organ master, who is restoring the Merklin-Schütze organ (1856) in the Basilica St. Francis. He is now working on it for few years, a labour of love. You definitelly meet a lots of interesting people in Havana.
422. Havana P1330275; Taken 2025-Feb 01. Upload 2025-May 05.
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El lugar era el Teatro del Museo de Bellas Artes y el espectáculo era de los Hermanos Abreu y amigos. Betsy Salazar (?) fue una de las invitadas a tocar con los hijos, aún adolescentes, Diego y Fabio, del percusionista Yaroldy Abreu Robles. Había tres contrabajistas alternando en el escenario y Betsy capturó mi atención no solo por su intrincado peinado. Nunca había visto a un contrabajista tocar con tanta gracia. Era un ballet de dedos en cuatro cuerdas. No estoy seguro de su apellido, ya que era Salara o Salazar. Se lo pregunté, pero probablemente lo entendí mal. Normalmente encontraría alguna referencia, pero supongo que todavía está en la escuela, así que su nombre aún no me suena. Yunior Terry y Roberto Álvarez eran los otros dos contrabajistas en el escenario. Estaba sentado conversando con Ferdinand Stemmer, un maestro organista suizo que está restaurando el órgano Merklin-Schütze (1856) en la Basílica de San Francisco. Lleva varios años trabajando en ello, una labor que le apasiona. Sin duda, conocerás a mucha gente interesante en La Habana.
Jon Cleary group was one of the highlights Havana Jazz festival. The New Orleans party guys invited some of the best Cuban horn players for this gig at La Fabrica. Emir was probably the busiest guy with sax at this year festival. I've seen him in 3 concerts, but he played in several more. Santa Cruz -sax, Trumpet- Christian Figueredo, Trombone-Juan Carlos Marin.
Plus 2 monster Percussionists: Yaroldy Abreu (Cuba) and Pedro Segundo (Portugal). There was also barisax, but his name escaped me.
407. Havana P1310823; Taken 2025- Feb 02. Upload 2025-Feb 16.
El grupo Jon Cleary fue uno de los platos fuertes del festival Havana Jazz. Los fiesteros de Nueva Orleans invitaron a algunos de los mejores trompetistas cubanos para este concierto en La Fábrica. Emir fue probablemente el tipo más ocupado con el saxo en el festival de este año. Santa Cruz -saxo, Trompeta- Christian Figueredo, Trombón-Juan Carlos Marin.
Más 2 percusionistas monstruosos: Yaroldy Abreu (Cuba) y Pedro Segundo (Portugal)
Andy Quincoses González (16 year old in 2025) was sharing the piano with piano legend Ernán López-Nussa, which in itself is a great endorsement of Andy's talent. Piano players and trumpet players have the highest depth between the jazz musicians in Cuba. Quincoses González managed to get well deserved attention of the cream of Cuba's musicians and is invited to play with them often. My friends just returned from Cuba's Jazz Plaza festival, just in time as all flights to this island were cancelled.
The Pablo Menendez 2025 show was in Teatro Bertold Brecht, which is a great venue for the audience, as people may choose to see the bands from left, right or front.
Unfortunately, Menendez must be blind to the situation in Cuba, as a big part of his show was pure socialist propaganda.
Pablo Menendez - guitar voice
Adrian Puchoux - bass
Yasmel Gonzalez- sax
Sax Ayo Brame- saxophone (Oakland, California)
Máyquel González - trumpet
Enrique Plá - Drums
Octavio Rodriguez Riviera - Percussion
Andy Quincoses González - Piano
Ernán López-Nussa - Piano
plus El coro (choir) Afro-Cubano Obba Areanlé de Deisy Braun
455. Havana P1320087; Taken 2025- Jan 30. Upload 2025-Feb 13.
Andy Quincoses González (16 años en 2025) compartía el piano con la leyenda del piano Ernán López-Nussa, lo que en sí mismo respalda con creces su talento. Los pianistas y trompetistas son los músicos de jazz más prestigiosos de Cuba. Quincoses González logró atraer la merecida atención de la élite de la música cubana y es invitado a tocar con ellos a menudo. Mis amigos acaban de regresar del festival Jazz Plaza de Cuba, justo a tiempo, ya que todos los vuelos a la isla fueron cancelados.
Roberto Fonseca is one of the best jazz pianists in the world. He makes the piano sing, cry, laugh. Emotions flow from his body to his fingers and emerge from the keys and strings. This was taken during the final concert and the last tune of the Havana Jazz Festival at the Teatro Nacional ( built 1951-1979!). Fonseca selected some of the top Cuban jazz musicians to be with him on stage, but at this instance, he was alone with the 2200 people in the audience.
Fonseca- piano, Ruly Herrera- drums, Felipe Cabrera- bass, Andres Cuayo Batista- percussions. Horn Section: Emir- Santacruz- sax, Robertico García López- trumpet, fluegelhorn, flute, Javier Zalba- clarinet, Jorge Sergio Ramirez Prieto- baritone saxophone. Guest were Jorge Reyes- bass and Barbarito Torres Delgado- tres guitar
405. Havana P1340622; Taken 2025- Feb 02. Upload 2025-Feb 08.
Roberto Fonseca es uno de los mejores pianistas de jazz del mundo. Hace cantar, llorar, reír al piano. Las emociones fluyen desde su cuerpo hasta sus dedos y emergen de las teclas y cuerdas. Esta fue tomada durante el concierto final y la última melodía del Festival de Jazz de La Habana en el Teatro Nacional (¡construido entre 1951 y 1979!). Fonseca seleccionó a algunos de los mejores músicos de jazz cubanos para que lo acompañaran en el escenario, pero en esta ocasión estaba solo con las 2200 personas del público.
Jon Cleary, British born, Grammy-winning New Orleans pianist, guitarist and singer. The best concert, in the best venue I have seen this year in Havana. The band included a Monster Cuban horn section. The jam-packed room in 'La Fabrica', the best place to hear concert in Havana, was in a party mood, swinging and swaying. Band members were Jon Cleary (keys, guitar, vocals), Cornell Williams (bass and vocals), AJ Hall (drums and vocals). 2 monster percussionists: Yaroldy Abreu (Cuba) and Pedro Segundo (Portugal), plus Monster Horn section: Emir Santa Cruz -sax, Trumpet- Christian Figueredo, Trombone-Juan Carlos Marin.
This concert alone was compensation enough for the cold showers, low water pressure, or no water at all, lousy breakfast, weak coffee and other shortcomings, in my Havana hotel.
409. Havana P1310715; Taken 2025- Jan 30. Upload 2025-Feb 21.
Jon Cleary, Pianista, guitarrista y cantante de Nueva Orleans, nacido en Gran Bretaña y ganador de un Grammy. El mejor concierto, en el mejor local que he visto este año en La Habana. La banda incluía una sección de trompa Monster Cuban. La sala repleta de 'La Fábrica', el mejor lugar para escuchar conciertos en La Habana, estaba en un ambiente de fiesta, balanceándose y swinging.
Pablo Menendez was born in California, but he has lived in Cuba since 1966 . His mother was blues and jazz vocalist Barbara Dane (Spillman), who sang with Willie Dixon, Memphis Slim, Muddy Waters and many others. The show was an homage to Pablo mother, who died in 2024 (at 97). The musical portion of the show was just fine, as Pablo was supported by several top Cuban musicians such as piano legend Ernan Nusca Lopez and Enrique Pla on drums. Unfortunately, Menendez must be blind to the situation in Cuba, as a big part of his show was pure socialist propaganda. Cuba is far from a socialist paradise, with huge unemployment of young and old and shortages of very basic necessities. Barbara Dane was a political activist in the 60's, and her son was definitely influenced by her journey. The show was in Teatro Bertold Brecht, which is a great venue for the audience, as people may choose to see the bands from left, right or front. (pun intended)
Pablo Menendez - guitar voice
Adrian Puchoux - bass
Yasmel Gonzalez- sax
Sax Ayo Brame- saxophone (Oakland, California)
Mayquel Gonzalez - trumpet
Enrique Pla - Drums
Octavio Rodriguez Riviera - Percussion
Andy Quincoses González - Piano
Ernan Nusca Lopez - Piano
plus El coro (choir) Afro-Cubano Obba Areanlé de Deisy
427. Havana P1320253; Taken 2025- Jan 30. Upload 2025-June 10.
Pablo Menéndez nació en California, pero reside en Cuba desde 1966. Su madre fue la vocalista de blues y jazz Barbara Dane (Spillman), quien cantó con Willie Dixon, Memphis Slim, Muddy Waters y muchos otros. El espectáculo fue un homenaje a la madre de Pablo, fallecida en 2024 a los 97 años. La parte musical del espectáculo estuvo bien, ya que Pablo contó con el apoyo de varios músicos cubanos de renombre, como la leyenda del piano Ernan Nusca López y Enrique Pla en la batería. Desafortunadamente, Menéndez debe ignorar la situación en Cuba, ya que gran parte de su espectáculo fue pura propaganda socialista. Cuba está lejos de ser un paraíso socialista, con un enorme desempleo entre jóvenes y ancianos y escasez de productos básicos. Barbara Dane fue una activista política en los años 60, y su hijo se vio sin duda influenciado por su trayectoria. El espectáculo se realizó en el Teatro Bertold Brecht, un lugar ideal para el público, ya que se puede ver a las bandas desde la izquierda, la derecha o de frente. (Juego de palabras intencionado)
The Veteran trombone player Juan Carlos started recording around 2000. He was part of Monster Cuban horn section in the best concert and in the best venue, I have seen this year in Havana. The jam-packed room in La Fabrica is a great place to hear any concert in Havana. Band members were Jon Cleary (keys, guitar and vocals), Cornell Williams (bass and vocals), AJ Hall (drums and vocals) from New Orleans. Two monster percussionists: Yaroldy Abreu (Cuba) and Pedro Segundo (Portugal), plus Monster Horn section: Emir Santa Cruz -sax, Trumpet- Christian Figueredo, Trombone-Juan Carlos Marin. There was a bari saxophone player, whom I could not identify. (Possibly Jorge Sergio Ramirez Prieto).
Interestingly in Toronto the local Cuban bands would recruit usually a non-Cuban trombone player. Toronto has many Cuban trumpet and some flute players, but I don't know any Cuban trombone players and only one (Luis Deniz) sax player.
424. Havana P1310817; Taken 2025- Jan 30. Upload 2025-May 18.
1993 Terrasson won the Thelonious Monk Competition. Few years later he was talk of the Jazz World and can now look back on a terrific career. Born in Berlin (father American; mother French); he studied at Berklee in Boston and met and played with many, who are by now celebrated jazz musicians. He started young (5) with classical piano, but discovered jazz through his mom records, before he became a teen.
At Havana Jazz Festival Jacky Terrasson played with two Cubans; drummer Lukmil Perez and Felipe Cabrera on bass.
418. Havana P1320322; Taken 2025- Jan 31. Upload 2025-Apr 07.
Saxophonist Ayo Brame turned 18 in April, 2025 and sells out shows in his home town- Oakland, CA. He grew up listening to his parent's music (John Coltrane), but obviously you still need talent to continue in Trane footsteps. Tenor sax in hand and a lifetime of music ahead of him, Brame puts the sax to his lips, closes his eyes and blows the horn. He was quite at home blowing with Menendez Cuban music, as he plays anything from Rebirth Brass Band, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter to Fela Kuti African sounds. He only picked up the sax in 2022, so maybe not too late for me!
Fellow Californian Kamasi Washington and former saxophonist Bill Clinton (he may still be needed as a president) praised his talent.
The show was in Teatro Bertold Brecht, which is a great venue for the audience, as people may choose to see the bands from left, right or front.
Pablo Menendez - guitar voice, Adrian Puchoux - bass, Yasmel Gonzalez- sax, Ayo Brame- tenor sax (Oakland, California), Máyquel González - trumpet
Enrique Plá - Drums, Octavio Rodriguez Riviera - Percussion, Andy Quincoses González - Piano, Ernán López-Nussa - Piano, plus El coro (choir) Afro-Cubano Obba Areanlé de Deisy Braun
434. Havana P1320190; Taken 2025- Jan 30. Upload 2025-Aug 04.
Dos Americanos en La Habana.
El saxofonista Ayo Brame cumplió 18 años en abril de 2025 y agota las entradas de sus conciertos en su ciudad natal, Oakland, California. Creció escuchando la música de sus padres (John Coltrane), pero obviamente aún se necesita talento para seguir los pasos de Trane. Con un saxo tenor en la mano y toda una vida musical por delante, Brame se lleva el saxo a los labios, cierra los ojos y toca el instrumento. Se sentía muy cómodo tocando la música cubana de Menéndez, ya que toca desde Rebirth Brass Band, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter hasta los sonidos africanos de Fela Kuti. Empezó a tocar el saxo en 2022, ¡así que quizás no sea demasiado tarde para mí!
Su compatriota californiano Kamasi Washington y el exsaxofonista Bill Clinton (quizás aún sea necesario como presidente) elogiaron su talento.
El espectáculo fue en el Teatro Bertold Brecht, un lugar fantástico para el público, ya que se puede ver a las bandas de izquierda a derecha o de frente.
Classically trained Cuban pianist Ernán López Nussa has an international reputation in Latin Jazz, not only as a musician, but also as gifted composer, arranger.
Lopez-Nussa is recognized as a master pianist in the same level as fellow Cubans Chucho Valdés and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. He is playing on top level for over 45 years and toured the world from NYC, London, Chicago, Paris, Tokyo, Rio, Buenos Aires, Vancouver, Madrid, Rome and many other cities around the world. Sometimes he performs with his family, Harold Lopez-Nussa (nephew), Ruy Adrian Lopez-Nussa (nephew), and Ruy Francisco Lopez-Nussa (brother). He is also using last name Lekszycki from his Polish grandfather. His grandmother was French.
309. Havana P1050813; Taken 2024-Jan 27. Upload 2024-March 23.
Ernán López-Nussa & Quarteto - La Negra - Heineken Concerts 2000 (4 min)
Drummer and percussionist Lukmil Perez, was born in La Habana, Cuba. In 1999, he moved to Europe to take part in diverse projects. After having performed and recorded the album of trumpet player Mario Morejon "El Indio", he played regularly in best clubs and concerts halls of Paris and festivals in Europe. At Havana Jazz Festival he played with pianist Jacky Terrasson (France) and fellow Cuban , Felipe Cabrera on bass.
417. Havana P1320475; Taken 2025- Jan 31. Upload 2025-Apr 02.
El baterista y percusionista Lukmil Pérez nació en La Habana, Cuba. En 1999, se mudó a Europa para participar en diversos proyectos. Tras interpretar y grabar el álbum "El Indio" del trompetista Mario Morejón, tocó regularmente en los mejores clubes y salas de conciertos de París y en festivales europeos. En el Festival de Jazz de La Habana, tocó con el pianista francés Jacky Terrasson y su compatriota cubano Felipe Cabrera en el bajo.
Joel Ramírez (Havana) played with Colombian Oscar Acevedo and two other Cubans in intimate theatre of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. This was the only time I could manage to get to this venue and I had to skip meal to do it. Acevedo is a well know piano player from Bogota and played few times at this year festival. Acevedo presented mostly his compositions inspired by his favorite part of Colombian countryside. The fourth member of the quartet was young drummer Fabio Abreu. JOEL RAMÍREZ graduated from Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana, specializing in saxophone and clarinet. In the past he performed in the Foundation Preservation Hall, participated in the 'Horns to Havana' project; plays with the 'Compañía Irene Rodríguez', National Symphony Orchestra and the jazz band competition at Lincoln Center, 'Essentially Ellington'.
302. Havana P1050283; Taken 2024-Jan 26. Upload 2024-Mar 08.
A protégé of Chucho Valdes, Dayramir Gonzalez Vicet, from a new generation of Cuban pianists, is actually a professional musician for about 20 years. His father, Fabian Gonzalez, is a well-known jazz trumpeter. Dayramir was the first Cuban to receive a full scholarship at Berklee College, but by then, he was already receiving awards in Cuba left and right.
He is an artist, bandleader, educator, arranger, producer and composer and he is full of emotion and excited, when he plays the piano. He shared stage with 3 other world class pianists in the wonderful Teatro Marti (1884). I very happy to see him on the program 'El Arte del Piano Cubano' in Havana with Jorge Luis Pacheco (Cuba/Germany), Emmet Cohen (USA) and Manon Mullener (Switzerland).
301. Havana P1050131; Taken 2024-Jan 26. Upload 2024-Mar 07.
Un protegido de Chucho Valdés, Dayramir González Vicet, perteneciente a una nueva generación de pianistas cubanos, es en realidad músico profesional desde hace unos 20 años. Su padre, Fabián González, es un conocido trompetista de jazz. Dayramir fue el primer cubano en recibir una beca completa en Berklee College, pero para entonces ya recibía premios en Cuba a diestra y siniestra.
Es artista, director de orquesta, educador, arreglista, productor y compositor y está lleno de emoción y entusiasmo cuando toca el piano. Compartió escenario con otros 3 pianistas de talla mundial en el maravilloso Teatro Martí (1884).
Seems to me, that every Abreu is a musician. I have seen and heard several this year and last year at Havana Jazz Festival. At Museo de Bellas Artes concert, at least 3 Abreu were on the stage. Yaroldy Abreu Robles is one of the most prominent percussionists of his generation in Cuba, who dedicated his career to Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz. He played with the who-is-who in Cuba (Irakere, Chucho Valdés) and the world (Winton Marsalis, Monique Seka, Jon Cleary). He toured worldwide, participating in many significant jazz festivals. Active for about 25 years, he is always the one, who has the most fun on the stage! In the 3-4 concerts, I have seen him in a Dashiki shirt, I hope he has several. Yaroldy is Professor of Cuban Percussion at the Institute of Arts in Havana. The two other Abreus with him on stage were his talented teenage sons.
Fabio Abreu drums and Diego Abreu piano.
414. Havana P1330357; Taken 2025-Feb 01. Upload 2025-Mar 10.
Me parece que cada Abreu es un músico. He visto y escuchado a varios este año y el año pasado en el Festival de Jazz de La Habana. En el concierto del Museo de Bellas Artes, al menos tres Abreu estaban en el escenario. Yaroldy Abreu Robles es uno de los percusionistas más destacados de su generación en Cuba, quien dedicó su carrera al jazz latino y al jazz afrocubano. Tocó con las figuras más importantes de Cuba (Irakere, Chucho Valdés) y del mundo (Winton Marsalis, Monique Seka, Jon Cleary). Realizó giras por todo el mundo, participando en muchos festivales de jazz importantes. Activo desde hace unos 25 años, ¡siempre es el que más se divierte en el escenario! En los tres o cuatro conciertos que ha tenido, lo he visto con una camisa dashiki; espero que tenga varias. Yaroldy es profesor de Percusión Cubana en el Instituto de Arte de La Habana. Los otros dos Abreu que lo acompañaban en el escenario eran sus talentosos hijos adolescentes. Fabio Abreu, batería, y Diego Abreu, piano.
Roxy Morales is preferred pianist with B' Jazz, a group lead by flautist and vocalist Belinda Guerra. Rexy is not only sexy, her key skills match her looks note for note. I was lucky to seen Roxy and Belinda twice at the Havana Jazz Festival. Both performed at "Música es Mujer" in Teatro América, and few days later, at Bobby Carcasses showcase of his best fifty, or there about, musical friends. Roxy graduated from the prestigious conservatory Amadeo Roldán. You can see and hear B'Jazz at 'Café Solás' (Calle Cuba) or at 'Zorra y el Cuervo' on La Rampa.
303. Havana P1050633; Taken 2024-Jan 27. Upload 2024-March 10.
I have seen Mayquel González 3 or 4 times at this year Jazz Plaza Festival. He headlined his show 'Cháchara' and was invited guest at several other performances.
Born in Arthemisa, Cuba, Mayquel Gonzalez is a Cuban trumpeter, composer and arranger, also a professor at the Arts Institute. Since his early childhood, he felt the call of music. “It's in my blood”. Graduated from Havana’s Art Institute in 2005, and has performed at the bands of most of the famous Cuban musicians, such as Chucho Valdes (Irakere), Ernan Lopez-Nussa, Harold Lopez-Nussa and Pablo Milanes. He has performed and Jazz Plaza Festival (Cuba); at the Marciac Festival (France), Toronto and Montreal Jazz Festivals, EnjoyJazz Festival (Germany) and Barranqui jazz Festival (Colombia), in the best jazz clubs; such as Ronnie Scott in London and Blue Note in Tokyo. Between 2008 and 2016 he performed at Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba musical shows, in Cuba, Martinique, Qatar, Germany, Holland, China, United States and other countries. In 2022 he became part of the renowned Isaac Delgado’s salsa band. They were also part of this year festival. At the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes with show 'Cháchara' he had many guests. Most prominent were pianists Ernán López-Nussa (Cuba) and Bas van Lier (Holland) and Emir Santacruz- sax Juan Carlos Marin- Trombone. On the photo with Mayquel is Annys Batista (vocals). Ticket 250 CUP. It was double, what to Cubans paid. It translates to US $0.70.
416. Havana P1300803; Taken 2025- Jan 29. Upload 2025-Mar 29.
Rachel Therrien is a premier Canadian trumpet player, who favours Latin Jazz. The room was bursting in seams with enthusiastic audience, as was the crowded stage. The venue was one of the smaller ones at Fabrica des Artes. I have seen Rachel Therrien several times in Toronto and Montreal, but this was probably the best performance in my memory. She was in her element. She teamed up with some of the best Cuban musicians, like fellow trumpeter Alejandro Delgado, Paris based Cuban saxophonist Irvin Acao, Drums- Michel Medrano (Montreal/Havana), Percussions- Jesus Estrada and Anthony Sotomayor Lage,
Bass Yenly Medina, Keys Juan Antonio Rodriguez and few others.
292. Havana P1060542; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-Feb 20.
Roberto García López, or Robertico to his friends, is one of the best jazz trumpeters in Cuba. With an musical career spanning close to 20 years, Roberto García has played the trumpet for several emblematic Cuban bands, the band of pianist Emiliano Salvador, Afrocuba, Buena Vista Social Club and Alexander Abreu y Habana de Primera. He has his own musical project 'Robertico García y su Latinway'. He is also an arranger, composer and professor.
García López was selected by Roberto Fonseca in the horn section of the final concert in Havana Jazz Festival at the Teatro Nacional. He is definitely favourite of many musicians. His composition 'Mani Mambo' was prominently featured in this concert.
Fonseca selected some of the top Cuban jazz musicians to be with him on stage, and with 2000 people in the audience.
Fonseca- piano, Ruly Herrera- drums, Felipe Cabrera- bass, Andres Cuayo Batista- percussions. Horn Section: Emir- Santacruz- sax, Robertico García López- trumpet, Lazaro Oviedo Dilout- fluegelhorn, Javier Zalba- clarinet, Jorge Sergio Ramirez Prieto- baritone saxophone. Flute -unknown to me. Guest were veterans Jorge Reyes- bass and Barbarito Torres Delgado- tres guitar
413. Havana P1340526; Taken 2025- Feb 02. Upload 2025-Mar 07.
Roberto García López, o Robertico para sus amigos, es uno de los mejores trompetistas de jazz de Cuba. Con una carrera musical de casi 20 años, Roberto García ha tocado la trompeta en varias bandas emblemáticas de Cuba, como la del pianista Emiliano Salvador, Afrocuba, Buena Vista Social Club y Alexander Abreu y Habana de Primera. Tiene su propio proyecto musical 'Robertico García y su Latinway'. También es arreglista, compositor y profesor.
García López fue seleccionado por Roberto Fonseca para la sección de vientos del concierto final del Festival de Jazz de La Habana en el Teatro Nacional. Es sin duda el favorito de muchos músicos. Su composición 'Mani Mambo' tuvo un lugar destacado en este concierto.
Charlie González clearly enjoyed his time on the stage with his quartet. After his performance he joined the next group (Mauricio Farfán trio from Chile) and made it much more entertaining. He had obviously many friends in the audience and stayed even for the third group. The sax player is Livan Morejon (Diakara) and percussionist Lazaro Erick. The garden is my favorite music venue in Havana. There is great vibe even when there is no festival happening.
314. Havana P1060322; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-April 01.
Charlie González claramente disfrutó su tiempo en el escenario con su cuarteto. Luego de su actuación se unió al siguiente grupo (trío de Mauricio Farfán de Chile) y lo hizo mucho más entretenido. Obviamente tenía muchos amigos entre el público y se quedó igualado con el tercer grupo. El saxofonista es Liván Morejón (Diakara) y el percusionista Lázaro Erick. El jardín es mi lugar de música favorito en La Habana. Hay un gran ambiente incluso cuando no hay festival.
Emmet Cohen was part of a concert in Havana, which was probably the best one, I have seen this year. Four equally accomplished jazz piano players shared the stage in the wonderful Teatro Marti (1884). I have seen few concerts in this place, which was renovated 10 years ago. Two pianos with two, four and finally 8 hands. I missed the New Yorker Emmet Cohen at Montreal Jazz in July 2023 (sold out), so I was quite happy to see him on the program in Havana.
El Arte del Piano Cubano- Dayramir Gonzalez (Cuba/USA), Emmet Cohen (USA), Manon Mullener (Switzerland) and Jorge Luis Pacheco
286. Havana P1040996; Taken 2024-Jan 26. Upload 2024-Feb 07.
La linda Belinda is an excellent flautist and vocalist. I was lucky to seen Belinda twice at the Havana Jazz Festival, She performed at "Música es Mujer" in Teatro América, and few days later, she was featured performer in Bobby Carcasses (her musical padre) showcase of his best fifty, or there about, musical friends. Flute is not a common jazz instrument in my part of the world. I can count flautists (or flutist) with fingers on one hand. In Cuba, there is definitely more of them. Not sure who the singer with her is.
294. Havana P1050865; Taken 2024-Jan 24. Upload 2024-Feb 23.
You would think, drumming comes naturally, but even if you a talented, there is a long road to excellence. Immersed in the Senegalese African traditional music since a young age, Waly started with the djembe type drum. He enrolled at the conservatory in Bagnolet at the age of 7 and study classical percussion, but also drums, when he started listening to hip hop.
He completed his study in classical percussion at the City Conservatory of Paris and continued his career as a classical instrumentalist and other conservatories in contemporary music. At the same time, he studies percussion in Paris in Sabar (traditional Senegalese percussion) and in Gennevilliers - Afro-Cuban music. Throughout his poly-instrumentalist training, he joined numerous ensembles: Àbájade, Boubacar Kafando (Burkinabe fusion), the group of Maur Cyries (pop-rock) as drummer, Le Feste Antonacci and also electronic music. At the same time, he performs in the classical field with Radio France orchestra.
The cool venue of 'Fabrica des Artes' (FAC) on the westside of Havana provided a sophisticated atmosphere and audience. Àbájade is a group of musician from Paris and at this concert; they were even stronger with the participation of some Cuban musicians. It was a party from the first note! The 'Fabrica' is definitely worth to visit even when there are no concerts. This was taken on the last day of the jazz festival and the atmosphere was electric. La Fabrica has rotating exhibits of paintings, sculpture and photography.
312. Havana P1060872; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-March 27.
Àbájade Music
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9jMfoSLKpc
Thomas Celnik - direction, claviers, batá
Julien Catherine - batterie, percussions
Cyprien Corgier - chant lead, choeurs, percussions
Syrielle Guignard - choeurs, chant lead, percussions
Waly Loume - multipercussions
Thibaud Merle - saxophone ténor, flûte, clarinette basse
Antonin Pauquet - basse
Sophye Soliveau - chant lead, choeurs, arrangements vocaux
Diambar - chant lead, choeurs, arrangements vocaux
Bobby Carcasses (founder of Havana Jazz Festival) show in Teatro Marti brought many musicians together. Possibly around 50. Some well known, some unknown, some, even I knew, as they were from Toronto. For sure all local performers were recognized by the Cubans in the audience. This trombonist was a veteran Mississippi musician, but I missed his name. I am still determined to find out. Maybe, I will ask Bobby, next time he visits Toronto.... With him on the photo is young Cuban trombone player, who was equally competent playing piano, as he was playing the 'bone'.
291. Havana P1050817; Taken 2024-Jan 27. Upload 2024-Feb 16.
** Today 13 July 2024, I found out that the trombone player is 84 year old musician from NYC, Dick Griffin. He is also accomplished painter and played with many jazz greats all over the world.
I love Marta Elena. I am probably not alone, as she wins many hearts wherever she performs. Born in Havana in a musical family, where she started performig at young age, later with 'Anacaona' and 'Caribbe' bands. She immigrated to Canada in 2011. I seen her first probably around 2015, and was quite impressed. She is now one of the top Latin singers in the city and she makes a wild dance party, anywhere she performs. This year I've seen her not only at Kensington Jazz, but also at Toronto Jazz, Dundas West Festival and on here 'home' turf at Lula Lounge club. At Kensington outdoor stage she was with Danae Olano- keyboard, Jonathan Amador bass, unknown to me trombone player and a drummer. There are few who have stage presence anywhere close to Marta Elena. Probably her 9(?) year old daughter comes closest, but she is not performing yet.
269. Kensington. P1720058; Taken 2023-Sep 30. Upload 2023-Nov 28.
Bobby Carcassés now seldom picks up his horn, his main instrument, when he was younger. He played piano, sang and even danced. Bobby Carcassés is an 85 year old jazz legend from Cuba. The founder of the Havana Jazz Festival, Bobby has been dubbed “the Guru of Afro-cuban Jazz” and has played with heavyweights like Bud Powell, Jane Bunnett, Tito Puente and Kenny Clarke and of course with his countrymen Chucho Valdes, Carlos Emilio Morales and Paquito D’ Rivera.
At Havana Jazz Festival, he was the centerpoint of musical revue; a showcase of his best fifty, or there about, musical friends. Bobby was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1938. I had a pleasure to meet him after the concert, as some Canadian friends introduced me.
297. Havana P1060046; Taken 2024-Jan 27. Upload 2024-Feb 28.
The venue was "Teatro del Museo de Bellas Artes" and the show was Hermanos Abreu. The teenage sons Diego and Fabio of percussionist Yaroldy Abreu Robles are making their mark in Cuba jazz scene. Fabio is a super talented drummer and Diego is equally talented on keys. There show was probably funny as audience laughed at their verbal exchanges. Their stage presence, considering their youth is phenomenal. They are used to show business, as their dad is the best percussionist in Cuba and their mother is music professor at University.
I was sitting and talking with Ferdinand Stemmer, a Swiss organ master, who is restoring the Merklin-Schütze organ (1856) in the Basilica St. Francis. He is now working on it for few years, a labour of love. You definitely meet a lot of interesting people in Havana.
444. Havana P1330344; Taken 2025-Feb 01. Upload 2025-Oct 10.
The prominent young Cuban trumpet player Alejandro Delgado, one of the most relevant musicians on the island's jazz scene was at many concerts I attended in Havana. Sometimes, he was just in a background or came in for one or two tunes. Here was guesting with Rachel Therrien (a premier Canadian trumpet player). The room was bursting in seams with enthusiast audience, as was the crowded stage. The stage was one of the smaller ones at 'Fabrica des Artes'. Therrien teamed up with some of the best Cuban musicians, like Delgado and Paris based Cuban saxophonist Irvin Acao, Drums- Michel Medrano (Montreal/Havana), Percussion 1- Jesus Estrada, Percussion 2- Anthony Sotomayor, Bass - Yenly Medina Escalante, Keys - Juan Antonio Rodriguez and few others.
295. Havana P1060547; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-Feb 24.
Hera is a name of a goddess, (if you recall your mythology class), and she definitely presented herself as a star and was admired by many. Singer and songwriter, this was her first Havana Jazz Festival and she seem to enjoy every moment in the limelight. Here she is with bassist Gabriel Perez. Performances were held in the wonderful 1941 Art Deco Teatro América (arch. Fernando Martínez Campos, Pascual Rojas). The program was called 'Música es Mujer' and featured several Cuban groups with majority of female performers. Hera is easily spotted by her golden crown of hair; I met her next day at an outdoor venue, where she came to support her friends. She was nothing like the matrony Greek goddess; she is full of life, fun and she danced happily the whole night.
287. Havana P1040070; Taken 2024-Jan 24. Upload 2024-Feb 09.
The lead female singer for Àbájade, Diambar, remains a bit of mystery. She reveals little on social media. Based in France, but probably born in Senegal, she sings with verve and is a perfect singing partner for Cyprien Corgier. The cool venue of 'Fabrica des Artes' (FAC) on the westside of Havana provided a sophisticated atmosphere and audience. Àbájade is a group of musician from Paris and at this concert; they were even stronger with the participation of some Cuban musicians. It was a party from the first note! This was taken on the last day of the jazz festival and the atmosphere was electric. 'La Fabrica' is definitely worth to visit even when there are no concerts. La Fabrica has rotating exhibits of paintings, sculpture and photography.
293. Havana P1060778; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-Feb 21.
All the major hotels have usually a band playing sometimes during the day and evening. Best music is at Hotel Inglaterra, where tourist and locals are hanging in the cafe or on sidewalk. This bass player was playing with a group at Hotel El Telégrafo (1888) , which is on the same block as Inglaterra facing Parque Central. Telegraph was invented in 1844 and I've actually sent few Telex messages in my life. But when fax and later email took over, it was over. There is no Hotel Fax or Hotel Internet in Cuba as far, as I know.
077. TMR Taken 24. Nov 2019, P1300903; Uploaded 19. Jan 2021. Lmx -ZS100. Havana
There were few groups from the USA at the Havana Jazz. 'The Funky Taters' from Tallahasee, Fl. did quite well at Jardines del Teatro Mella. Shanice Richards (violin, vocals) and Sage Khan (trumpet) caught my attention. Cuban group 'Rumberos de Mayabeque', which followed them, actually danced to their music, as they waited for their turn and Cuban virtuoso violinist Emy Abreu joined them on stage.
'The Taters': Shanice Richards- violin/ vocals , Michael W. Lewis - guitar, Jan Lee DeCosmo - washboard, Deanna Miller - vocals, Justin 'jus funk' Varnes- bass, Jordan Green- drum, Bill Landing- sax, Sage Khan-trumpet.
296. Havana P1040417; Taken 2024-Jan 25. Upload 2024-Feb 27.
Managed to see just one performance this year at Dundas West Festival. Yani Borrell and Barbara, (sometimes Barbie), Ruiz, her deep Cuban roots on display and with excellent orchestra behind them entertained maybe 200 salsa dancers on the street.
Yousy Barbara Ruiz (born 1976) has been compared to the legendary Célia Cruz. Her hometown is Camagüey, but her home is now Montreal. She was successful in Cuba, but I guess despite the ice, snow and cold, life may be easier in Quebec. Her “Cubanness” is however intact. Would you think, that this woman, with oversize jewellery, was at one time aspiring basketball player and a physical education teacher?
336. Dundas West; P1130924; Taken 2024-Jun 07. Upload 2024-Jun 11.
If you want to see energy and explosive performance; Emy Abreu is the ticket. The singer and violinist does not pause during her performance. She leads her group, which includes 3 other young violinist and several singers. I was lucky to seen her twice at the Havana Jazz Festival, She performed at "Música es Mujer" in Teatro América, and next day unscheduled show with her friends at Jardines del Teatro Mella. She graduated from the prestigious Conservatorio Amadeo Roldan (2016). She performed for King Charles and Camilla on their visit to Habana and she performed for me with the same vigour and energy.
289. Havana P1040232; Taken 2024-Jan 24. Upload 2024-Feb 14.
“El Hueso” or 'The Bone', as he is known, stands out in the crowd. He played with pianist Emilio Morales Ruiz at open air venue of Casa de la Cultura. He dresses flamboyantly and I noticed him, as he was making his way to the musicians area. It took him a long time, as many people stopped to talk to him. He is Havana born, lives in Havana, but plays all over the world. Carlos is also a respected music producer.
With Emilio Morales Ruiz- piano, Omar Gonzalez - bass , Augusto- congas , Enrique Pla- drums, El Hueso- guiro, plus other percussion toys.
306. Havana P1040803; Taken 2024-Jan 26. Upload 2024-March 13.
Mauricio Farfán trio represented Chile in Cuba for the first time. He brought with him drummer Sebastián Aspe and Ezequiel Camus, on electric bass. While all three are excellent musicians, the level of entertainment was elevated, when Charlie Gonzales with his trio joined them on theatre garden stage in the second half of their performance. Mauricio Farfán is a teacher and director of music school Escuela Moderna in Chile.
318. Havana P1060349; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-April 08.
Visiting this establishment is a must for first time visitors to Havana, even if they don't like Mojitos. In each bar where Hemingway set foot, they have his statue, picture and his signature drink. El Floridita, La Bodeguita del Medio, Sloppy Joe and Dos Hermanos are the most famous ones and the most touristy ones. Hemingway was a frequent guest in all of these and there is at least one bar with a sign "Aquí jamás estuvo Hemingway", but only because it was established after his suicide. The band played Cuban standards for tourists. The excitement is clearly palatable.
411. Havana P1300222; Taken 2025- Jan 27. Upload 2025-Feb 28.
Simplemente feliz de estar allí.😉 La Bodeguita del Medio.
Visitar este establecimiento es imprescindible para quienes visitan La Habana por primera vez, incluso si no les gustan los mojitos. En cada bar donde Hemingway pisó tienen su estatua, su foto y su bebida emblemática. El Floridita, La Bodeguita del Medio, Sloppy Joe y Dos Hermanos son los más famosos y los más turísticos. Hemingway era invitado frecuente en todos ellos y hay al menos un bar que tiene un cartel que dice "Aquí jamás estuvo Hemingway", pero sólo porque se estableció después de su suicidio. La banda tocó estándares cubanos para los turistas. La emoción es claramente aceptable.
The bass player for Àbájade, Antonin Pauquet, reminded me strongly of young Eric Clapton. He had coolness about him, which was perfect for the cool venue of Fabrica des Artes on the westside of Havana. Àbájade is a group of musician from Paris and at this concert they were even stronger with the participation of some Cuban musicians. It was a party from the first note! The 'Fabrica' is definitely worth to visit even when there are no concerts. This was taken on the last day of the jazz festival and the atmosphere was electric and the decor was eclectic. Abajade is lead by vocalist Cyprien Corgier.
290. Havana P1060922; Taken 2024-Jan 28. Upload 2024-Feb 17.
Jorge Luis Pacheco, currently based in Germany, is one of the leading pianists of the new generation of jazz in Cuba. He is also a percussionist, composer and musical director. He studied piano and percussion at the music school Alejandro García Caturla, later graduated as a percussionist in the conservatory Amadeo Roldán, and worked as a professor at the conservatory Guillermo Thomas. He has participated in concerts and festivals in Cuba, Europe, South and Central America, Canada and the USA. He shared stage with 3 other world class pianists in the wonderful Teatro Marti (1884). I very happy to see him on the program 'El Arte del Piano Cubano' in Havana with Dayramir Gonzalez (Cuba/USA), Emmet Cohen (USA) and Manon Mullener (Switzerland).
298. Havana P1050079; Taken 2024-Jan 26. Upload 2024-Feb 29.
There were few groups from the USA at the Havana Jazz. 'The Funky Taters' from Tallahasee, Fl. did quite well at Jardines del Teatro Mella. Shanice Richards and Sage Khan (trumpet) caught my attention. The singer and violinist Shanice Richards (left) with singer Deanna Miller up front were match for Cuban group 'Rumberos de Mayabeque', which follow them, and actually danced to their music, as they waited for their turn. Cuban virtuoso violinist Emy Abreu joined them on stage at one point.
'TheTaters': Shanice Richards- violin/ vocals , Michael W. Lewis - guitar, Jan Lee DeCosmo - washboard, Deanna Miller - vocals, Justin 'jus funk' Varnes- bass, Jordan Green- drum, Bill Landing- sax, Sage Khan-trumpet.
299. Havana P1040519; Taken 2024-Jan 25. Upload 2024-Mar 02.