Chucho Valdés in Los Angeles

Chucho Valdés is a Cuban pianist, composer and bandleader, born in Quivicán in 1941. The son of pianist Bebo Valdés, he founded and directed Irakere, the group that brought Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation and electric instrumentation together in works including “Misa Negra.” His own repertoire includes “Mambo Influenciado” and the album Jazz Batá 2. Irakere made its US debut during the 1978 Newport Jazz Festival in New York, including a performance at Carnegie Hall. Decades later, a week of Chucho Valdés trio concerts at the Village Vanguard produced the album Live at the Village Vanguard. His festival appearances have included the Montreux Jazz Festival, while the North Sea Jazz Festival has also presented his piano-led ensemble.