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 Wednesday, 16 May 2012 |
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Chuchito Valdés with his brother, Emilio at Nighttown in Cleveland, 2/6-7 |
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Written by Ronaldo Oregano
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Monday, 29 January 2007 |
 Chuchito Valdés Born in Havana Cuba, Jesus "Chuchito" Valdés comes from one of the most distinguished musical families in Cuba. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renown Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years (The band had been founded by ChuchoValdés) . He has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba and the Caribbean, across the United States and South America, and throughout Europe.
In his youth he studied with many Cuban masters, such as the great Cuban pianist, Chucho Valdés (who is also his father). Chuchito is recognized as a master at Cuban music including Mambo, Danzon, and Cuban Timba and Guaguanco. He has also extensively studied classical music including harmony and composition. When he is not traveling around the world performing, Chuchito lives in Cancun, Mexico where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble. His original compositions and arrangements draw on classical harmonic and structural techniques [Click here for a mp3 sample of Chuchito Valdés' Funky Cha Cha Cha].  Emilio Valdés
In 1993 Emilio left Cuba and went to Hamburg, Germany where he lived for 11 years. He traveled throughout Europe. Working with Fun Factory (MTV-Europe), Radio and Television Orchestra, and Sergio Boré. He toured extensively with the legendary Lonnie Liston Smith and Craig Handy. Emilio Valdés currently lives in New York City and has worked his Cuban compatriot, the guitarist/composer Juan-Carlos Formell as well as with the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band.
Laksar Reese (Tenor & Soprano Saxophones, Flute ) - Born in Sydney, Australia Laksar Reese is currently based out of Chicago, where he leads his own Latin and straight ahead jazz ensembles on Tenor/Soprano saxophones and Flute. He has performed all over the world with Latin and Straight-ahead Jazz ensembles - from Sydney to Seattle, to New York. His first CD, the “Laksar Reese Quintet” was released a year and a half ago and is currently distributed by Emphasis Music.
 Laksar Reese
Laksar recently recorded and co-produced the Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz CD “Encantado” with Chuchito Valdés. The two met in Cancun several years ago and have been collaborating musically ever since. When not touring with Chuchito Valdés he is working around Chicago and throughout the Midwest with his own Jazz and Latin Jazz Ensembles.
Acoustic and Electric Bassist Jonathan Paul received his Bachelor of Music Degree with a concentration in Jazz Studies from Indiana University, Bloomington, where he also began his study and performance of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music He has been a member of Fareed Haque's band for the last ten years, touring the U.S., Central America and Europe and a member in the Issa Boulos Ensemble for the last two. In addition, this group recorded Blue Note releases Opaque and Déjŕ Vu. Jonathan is also a member of pianist Deanna Witkowski's group, performing at the Kennedy Center's "Women in Jazz" festival in Washington D.C. Jonathan has also performed with Danilo Perez, Jim Snidero, Howard Levy, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, as well as Chuchito Valdés. For the last five years Jonathan has taught Bass and Jazz Combos at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.
Don't miss the return by popular demand of the dynamic Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdés on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 6th and 7th at Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. For tickets call 216-795-0550. Visit www.nighttowncleveland.com for more information. |
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