CLAZZ Madrid – Continental Latin Jazz

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CLAZZ Madrid – Continental Latin Jazz

Omar Sosa Quarteto AfroCubano
Saturday, June 29 – Teatros del Canal

DeserticoOmar Sosa Quarteto AfroCubano marks a homecoming for Omar to the influences of his formative years at the Escuela Nacional de Musica in Havana and later at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, where he savored the music of Pancho Quinto, Lazaro Ross, Ruben Gonzalez, Machito, Benny More, Ismael Rivera, Arsenio, Cachao, Lili Martinez, Peruchin, Chucho Valdes, and Irakere. Joining him on this adventure are three musicians with whom, in one way or another, Omar shares a very close relationship: fellow Cubans, Julio Barreto on drums, and Leandro Saint-Hill on saxophones and flutes, and Mozambican bassist and longtime rhythm section collaborator, Childo Tomas.

Omars concept is to put together musicians who speak the same musical language, and who are able to use their Cuban traditions as a springboard for creative freedom.

Omars Quarteto AfroCubano will explore contemporary interpretations of some of the classic Cuban musical styles the world has come to enjoy: Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, Bolero, Changui. All of the material is informed by the powerful African traditions of Santeria, Abakua, Makuta, Nongo, and Palo Monte. The groups repertoire will include a number of Omars signature compositions, including Cha Cha Du Nord, Mis Tres Notas, and Iyawo, the later featuring an irresistible expression of son montuno. Both popular and religious chants will be arranged with contemporary harmonies and African rhythms. These African rhythms form the basis of much Cuban music. The result is a musical journey into the ensembles personal vision of various AfroCuban traditions.

Julio Barreto is one of the most sought after touring and studio drummers of his generation. He has played with Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Steve Coleman, and David Sanchez, and has shared the stage with Ron Carter, John Patitucci, Charlie Haden and Chico Freeman, to name just a few. Julio Barreto is featured on several Omar Sosa CDs, including Afreecanos and Ceremony. He lives in Zurich.

Saxophone and flute virtuoso Leandro Saint-Hill began his musical studies in Camagey at age eleven. After graduating, he moved to Havana where he played with rock star Tanja, bolero diva Beatriz Marquez, jazz pianist Carlos Maza Quintet, and salsa star Manolin. Since moving to Hamburg in 1994, Mr. Saint-Hill has worked with Cuarteto Chanchullo, Tony Martinez, Julio Barreto, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Hilton Ruiz, and Chico Freeman, and has performed at Jazz Baltica, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Leverkusen Jazztage.

Bassist, percussionist, and African vocalist Childo Tomas began playing music at the age of 16 in various traditional, popular, and jazz groups in Maputo, Mozambique. He has toured with Omar Sosa since 2004 and is featured on the Omar Sosa GRAMMY-nominated recording, Across The Divide, as well as Omars new CD release, EGGUN. He lives in Barcelona.

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