Elio's music is passionate. A brand new application of ancient ways. —Chick Corea
Cinque (artistShare) is a body of work that encompasses narration, original composition and selections of Elio's own field recordings of different forms of rooted Congolese rhythms in the Caribbean, especially the traditions of Tambor Yuka, only practiced today in the region of Pinar Del Río, where Elio was born, and Gangá, a rare culture that came from Sierra Leon, Cinque' place of birth, to the region of Matanzas, Cuba. Both traditions are near to extinction today.
Elio's intention is to share music the same way he experienced it growing up in Cuba, by giving access to the context and sources that inspired his original compositions. This way of sharing, creates a better bridge with the listener to a more meaningful understanding and connection with music and culture.
Personnel
Elio Villafranca- pianoVincent Herring- alto & soprano sax, flute
Greg Tardy- tenor sax, clarinet
Todd Marcus- bass clarinet
Freddie Hendrix- trumpet
Steve Turre- trombone, bass trombone, conch shells
Ricky Rodriguez- acoustic bass
Lewis Nash- drum set
Arturo Stable- bata drums, congas, palo drums or atabales
Miguel Valdes- bata drums, congas, bombo
Jonathan Troncoso- palo drums or atabales, valsié, barril drum
Nelson Mateo Gonzales- barril, palo drums or atabales
Alexander Lasalle- vocals
Alexander Waterman- cello
Narration
Terrance McKnightGuest
Wynton Marsalis- trumpetLeyla McCalla- vocals
Don Vappie- banjo
Pianist and composer Elio Villafranca is an inspired and visionary musician. I am profoundly moved by Elio's vision and musicianship. He is a treasured member of the family here at Jazz at Lincoln Center." —Wynton Marsalis
Elio Villafranca writes and plays with passion and a deep understanding of musical nuance, with chops equal to some of the greatest pianists Cuba has ever produced."—DownBeat Magazine
For more information contact Scott Thompson Public Relations.