Legendary Afro-Cuban percussionist Francisco Aguabella will make his debut at New York's famed Blue Note located at 131 West 3rd Street August 17-18. This rare event, produced by impresario Charles Carlini, will feature some of New York's leading Latin musicians including Ray Barretto, Carlos “Patato" Valdes, Sonny Bravo, Jimmy Delgado, Ruben Rodriguez and Enrique Fernandez. Sets are at 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm. Tickets are $25 at tables and $15 at the bar. For reservation visit www.bluenotejazz.com or call (212) 475-8592.
When you think of Latin percussion, think of Francisco Aguabella. Perhaps the finest Afro-Cuban master percussionist still living, he has become synonymous with his instrument -- one of the highest compliments a musician can receive. Indeed, what Carlos Santana is to the guitar, Aguabella is to the conga drum. The conguero's long career dates back to the '50s, and though he never has been afforded rockstar status, he has recorded with some stellar musicians, including Frank Sinatra, Cal Tjader, Hugh Masekela, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and Weather Report -- as well as both Carlos and Jorge Santana (Aguabella and Jorge were members of the '70s Latin fusion group Malo, best known for their hit “Suavecito").
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Francisco Aguabella is a master of the Yoruba-derived bata drums and rumba form as well as contemporary traditions including Cuban son, salsa, and Latin jazz. Though he has released only a half dozen albums, his work is best measured by his contribution to the Afro-Cuban sounds and the growth of Latin jazz. “He is one of the strongholds of our music and has always kept the commitment to our Cuban rhythm, that's very important, “ says Cuban jazz player Israel “Cachao" Lopez.
Aguabella has received a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts and is the subject of a documentary film by Les Blank, Sworn to the Drum. He is also featured in a new documentary, “Aguabella," currently in production.
Francisco Aguabella's passion and fire on the conga drums are absolutely contagious and not to be missed.
Francisco Aguabella Conducts Clinic Crafters Master Class at Blue Note August 18
From the audience, a great performance comes across like a seamless miracle. If you could get the performer's commentary on what he does, though, you'd learn that each combines theory, technique and tricks of the trade with his talent in a totally individual way - and that's what students and fans have the opportunity to discover in this special master class with percussion legend Francisco Aguabella at Blue Note from 2 pm - 4 pm.
At a typical workshop, the visiting artist performs for a bit, discusses the theory and technique in his performance, invites a member of the audience to play and offers feedback and help with style and execution. Throughout, he answers questions from workshop participants. Because of the access and interchange available in the sessions, students “have a treasure in this series," says critic Gary Giddins. Since space is limited to 50 people, pre-registration is advised.
Francisco Aguabella
Tuesday/Wednesday August 17-18 @ Blue Note
131 West 3rd Street
Tickets $25/$15
(212) 475-8592
www.bluenotejazz.com
www.carlinigroup.com
www.cliniccrafters.com
For more information contact All About Jazz.
