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Chucho Valdes

About this image

Chucho Valdes receiving his 1979 Grammy from Jane Bunnett at the show in Toronto, October 21, 2012

Uploaded: 2012-10-24 Size: 439 x 600 pixels

About Chucho Valdes

Yansa
Chucho Valdes
Chucho's Steps

Live Reviews

Irakere 40 at SFJAZZ

Extended Analysis

Omara Portuondo & Chucho Valdes: Omara & Chucho

CD/LP/Track Review

Chucho's Steps by Jerry D'Souza

Interviews

CD/LP/Track Review

Chucho's Steps by Chris May
Chucho's Steps by Chris May

Omara Portuondo & Chucho Valdes: Omara & Chucho

Omara Portuondo &...
World Village
2011
buy

Chucho's Steps
Four Quarters Entertainment
2010
buy

New Conceptions
Blue Note Records
2003
buy

Fant
Blue Note Records
2002
buy

Joe Lovano
saxophone

Kenny Dorham
trumpet

Arturo Sandoval
trumpet

Paquito D'Rivera
saxophone

Gonzalo Rubalcaba
piano

Tito Puente
band/orchestra

Bebo Valdes
piano

Poncho Sanchez
congas

Michel Camilo
piano

Charlie Palmieri
piano

Eddie Palmieri
piano

Roberto Fonseca
piano

Chucho ValdesChucho Valdes

Jazz Stories

I love jazz because I hear musicians being in the “now”, creating on the spot. I was first exposed to jazz by my father. He doesn't play (though he has dabbled with piano in the past), but apparently jazz runs in the family blood
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I love jazz because I hear musicians being in the “now”, creating on the spot. I was first exposed to jazz by my father. He doesn't play (though he has dabbled with piano in the past), but apparently jazz runs in the family blood. My grandfather, a professional jazz pianist, once accompanied Judy Garland when she strolled into the Chicago hotel where he played; one of the songs they performed was, of course, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I never got to hear my grandfather play, because he gave up “the life” when he moved to California, when my dad was still in high school. However, my grandpa remains an inspiration, so I wrote an arrangement of “Somewhere” in Latin Jazz style, and dedicated to my father and to the memory of my grandfather. The first jazz record I bought was McCoy Tyner, “Dimensions.” McCoy is a great influence on my piano playing to this day. My advice to new listeners is, have an open mind; let the music develop, let the artists take you on a journey. Jazz is human, personal, and carries great immediacy. In an age where technology replaces the human element in much art, jazz in general is all about the performance. Even in recording, it is a moment of spontaneity frozen in time. So support live music, support live jazz! Keep us human in the modern world.
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By Michelle Pollace
Member since: 2013