As an extension of its popular solo piano recitals, Jazz at Lincoln Center (J@LC) will bring together three renowned and diverse Latin music pianists PAQUITO HECHAVARRIA, ADRIAN IAIES, and ARTURO O’FARRILL in “Habaneras, Blues and Tangos” on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 4, 5, and 6, 2002 at 8pm in the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse.
The three diverse pianists Hechavarria from Cuba, Iaies from Argentina, and O’Farrill from New York will each perform a 35-minute set bringing to life the various rhythmic piano styles that laid the foundation for jazz, Latin music, and Afro-Cuban jazz. When Jelly Roll Morton spoke, at the turn of the century, about the indelible influence of “the Spanish tinge” on jazz, he was largely referring to the influence of these Caribbean and South American piano styles on early jazz piano styles.
Tickets at $45 are available at the Alice Tully Hall box office, by calling CenterCharge at (212) 721-6500, or via www.jazzatlincolncenter.org.
Paquito Hechavarria grew up in Cardenas, Matanzas, Cuba. He graduated from Conservatorio de Musica in Havana at age 16, by which time he was already playing with the renowned Conjunto Casino and the Riverside Orchestra. He became the director of the latter, a role previously held by the famous Pedro “Peruchin” Justin. Hechavarria’s talents led him also to a position with the orchestra of Julio Gutierrez. After playing in Havana’s greatest cabarets, he stopped due to the political situation of the country and left Cuba. He joined the prestigious orchestra at the FountainBleu Hilton in Miami Beach for 10 years, accompanying artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ann Margaret, Sammy Davis, Jr. and others. He also composed the theme music for the famous TV sitcom “Que Pasa U.S.A.” He performed at Caesar’s Palace with the “Pupy Campos Orchestra.” As a solo pianist, Hechavarria has performed with Barry Manilow, Cachao, Nestor Torres, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Julio Iglesias, Luis Enrique, Mongo Santamaria, and others. He has performed frequently with Gloria Estafan, including on “Oye Mi Canto” for the Grammy-winning “Mi Tierra.” The title song his is first solo album with a major recording company, “Piano” was number one on the Hot Latin Tracks Billboard soon after it was released. He has also earned wide praise for his annual performances during after-screening parties in conjunction with the Miami Film Festival.
Argentinean pianist, arranger, and composer Adri
For more information contact All About Jazz.
