Jazz Articles about Rafael Zaldivar

About Rafael Zaldivar

Album Review

Zaldivar | McBride | Mela: Meeting in New York: Vol. 1

Read "Meeting in New York: Vol. 1" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic

by Mike Jurkovic
October 5, 2026

Depending on what part of town one finds their jollies, Cuban-born pianist Rafael Zaldivar may or may not be a well-known curiosity seeker in these parts, as he is in Montreal, where he characteristically burns up stages both big and small. But he damn well should be, as evidenced by the music emanating forth from Meeting In New York: Vol.1, the pianist's first for 577 Records. Spending time with raconteur bassist Christian McBride and equally rancorous drummer Francisco ...

Album Review

JabFung: In Real Life

Read "In Real Life" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
June 20, 2026

At a time when so much of our interaction is filtered through digital platforms, the album In Real Life arrives as a reminder of the power of human beings to listen to and respond to one another in real time. The collective JabFung has thrived on the chemistry captured in this recording. Bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes, drummer Anthony Fung, alto saxophonist Luis Deniz, trumpeter Adam O'Farrill, and pianist Rafael Zaldivar create music that celebrates connection, resilience, and trust. The session's eight ...