Take Five with Pianist Irving Flores

Meet Irving Flores

From his early beginnings as a child prodigy leading Orchestra Tamalipas to victory at the tender age of ten, to becoming a nationally treasured artist in Mexico, Irving's journey has been nothing short of legendary. Now based in San Diego, California, Irving continues to push musical boundaries and innovate within the jazz genre, contributing richly to its evolution and reaching new audiences through his performances and recordings.

Irving's career is marked by notable collaborations and performances with jazz icons such as Poncho Sanchez, Airto Moreira, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. His skills as an arranger and producer shine through in projects like the acclaimed "Tribute to Frank Sinatra" with the San Diego Symphony and his stirring arrangements for international stars like Luis Miguel.

Irving's recent work includes the much-anticipated album Armando Mi Conga, recorded live in New York City. This vibrant album features a lineup of legendary musicians, including Giovanni Hidalgo on congas, Brian Lynch on trumpet, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez on drums, John Benitez on upright and electric bass and Norbert Stachel on tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet, and flute, showcasing Irving's ability to bring together top talents to create truly spectacular music.

Instruments:

Definitely just the piano, I have a lot of respect and I'm focusing on this instrument.

In the beginning of my musical career, I played the alto saxophone professionally. I also explored the trombone, trumpet, flute, and guitar, as well as my true passion, Afro Cuban, Latin and Brazilian percussions. Studying all these instruments helped me develop my skills to become a better arranger. They were also key to helping me master orchestration for big bands and symphonies.

Teachers and/or influences?

The most important teacher, my father, Irving Flores Chalá. Unforgettable teachers; piano, Jordan Svecensky, Important mentors throughout my life; in Mexico, Isaias Lara, Cecilio Moran, Armando Noriega, Enrique Nery, Roberto Arballo. In the United States, Daniel Jackson. Influences, Henry Mancini, Stan Kenton, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, Kenny Kirkland, McCoy Tyner, Bebo Valdes, Chucho Valdes, Emiliano Salvador, Mozart, Bach, and of course the great Rachmaninoff.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I really don't remember, I think I was just born a musician. I think if music didn't exist, I wouldn't exist.

Your sound and approach to music.

Regarding sound, the following are essential in order to master your instrument. Words that come to mind are—Technique, warm up, practicing, feelings, sensibility and touch.

My focus is cleanliness in music, excellence, precision, concentration, dedication, passion and respect.

Your teaching approach

First, to know that I can learn from my students.

Second, I will always give the best of myself with passion and respect for their learning.

Your dream band

This is a great question. I feel that this album was the opportunity for me to do just that. Armando Mi Conga features my dream band with a spectacular line up. It's a great backstory of how we made the list and the decision to make it happen. You can find it on my website and the inside cover of the album.

I am open to exploring the world and you never know... there are so many talented artists on this planet... I feel that the universe will bring so many more opportunities to create and record.

Road story: Your best or worst experience

My first experience was joining my dad on a tour to the Southeast of Mexico-Oaxaca. From the age of 7 to about 15, I played percussion and then the saxophone alongside him. This planted a seed and I knew that the more I traveled the more I would grow as an individual and as a musician.

After that, as a professional pianist and musical director, I had the opportunity to tour the globe with a famous Mexican pop artist. It was the perfect chance to escape after hours and attend late night jam sessions all over the world with musicians from all walks of life. I learned so much from listening to and playing with those artists.

There were definitely some crazy moments touring, which I'd love to share in person. But for now, my best memory is when my wife and I traveled to a tiny island off the coast of Sicily and actually found a brand new C-7 Yamaha still wrapped in plastic. I had the privilege to be the very first person to play that new instrument. After that, the rest is history. You can listen to tracks 3 and 9, "With Amanda In Favignana."

Favorite venues

My top three: 1. Sala Nezahualcóyotl, Centro Cultural Universitario, Mexico City, MX 2. Ystads Theater AB, Ystad, Sweden 3. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, U.S.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

Musically: Fresh new compositions that I am convinced can bring happiness and healing to people all around the world.

The first jazz album I bought was:

My dad toured the world and always brought home vinyls which I listened to thousands of times. The first albums I spent my own money on were Irakere (with Chucho Valdés), Chick Corea, and Brad Mehldau.

Music you are listening to now:

Sullivan Fortner. My wife surprised me with tickets to attend a show at Dizzy's, Lincoln Center in New York City this past January, 2025 during Winter Jazz Fest. His playing moved something inside of me.

Desert Island picks:

Places I have been traveled to that inspired me to compose are: Favignana Island and Marettimo, Sicily, Italy; Culebra and Culebrita, Puerto Rico; Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Motu Atger (off of Taha'a), French Polynesia; Mo'orea Maiao, French Polynesia.

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

Currently, with technology, the younger generation has very open minds, open borders, and new opportunities to interact with musicians of all kinds of race, color, and religion. This has created amazing fusions with jazz and cultures.

What is in the near future?

The near future is to record a new album in October of 2025. Stay tuned...

What is your greatest fear when you perform?

I don't have any fear when it comes to performing. My biggest fear while touring the world was more about logistics. For example, missing a flight or a musician not showing up to perform.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

I would love to listen to a future recording with a symphony of my composition "The Pulse of Your Heart." I wrote it for my wife and surprised her on our wedding day with a 20-piece big band orchestra. It is a waltz and was our first dance as husband and wife.

What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?

I'm always composing—creating something new in the shower.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:

Nope. I'm sorry, I was just born a musician. Next question...

If I could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner at a New York steakhouse with Henry Mancini. We would swap stories while sharing a great bottle of cab. His film scores have always fascinated me. And of course I would have to ask where did he find inspiration for the Pink Panther theme. It's the perfect jazz melody for the character.

What's your favorite wine, bourbon or adult beverage?

Mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico

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