92YTribeca is proud to present the New York premier of "A Lorca Soundscape", a new work by bassist-composer Alexis Cuadrado.
Commissioned by Chamber Music America, “A Lorca Soundscape” reflects on Federico Garcia Lorca's 1930 book Poeta en Nueva York with a series of jazz pieces that use the poetry as lyrics. Lorca lived in NYC for a few months in 1929-30 and he wrote a heartfelt set of poems that reflect on the cultural shock and loneliness that he experienced at the time. The book is a raw social commentary that connects with themes that are still an important part of the American reality today including economic inequalities, racial-social discrimination and the brutality of the urban landscape. Poeta en Nueva York connects deeply with the current socioeconomic climate, the "Occupy" movement, and the general population discontent about how our system is working and Cuadrado's music, in turn, is a contemporary reflection on Lorca's themes and cityscape.
The band members are:
Vocalist Claudia Acuña
Saxophonist Miguel Zenón
Pianist Dan Tepfer
Bassist and composer Alexis Cuadrado
"The blending of Latin music with jazz harmony and improvisation has produced more than a mere hybrid, as a survey of New York's younger players would reveal. Manuel Valera, a Cuban pianist in his mid-20's, illustrates that evolution handily: postbop and classical romanticism are as integral to his vocabulary as Latin folk forms, and they all find natural expression in his music." (Nate Chinen, New York Times) A touring sideman with Arturo Sandoval and Dafnis Prieto for the last three years, Manuel Valera currently leads an amazing all-star band called The New Cuban Express. Dubbed Jazz Cubano for Modern Times and comprised of seven prominent young musicians, this group features a contemporary compositional take on the music of the island of Cuba as well as original compositions and arrangements from all the members.
The band members are:
Pianist and bandleader Manuel Valera (Paquito D'Rivera, Dafnis Prieto)
Saxophonist Yosvany Terry (Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Steve Coleman)
Drummer Eric Doob (Miguel Zenon, Paquito D'Rivera)
Bassist John Benitez (John Scofield, Chick Corea)
Guitarist Tom Guarna (Lenny White)
Percussionist Mauricio Herrera (Bryan Lynch, Spanish Harlem Orchestra)
Wed, Mar 28, 7:30pm doors, 8pm show.
$12 advance / $15 day of show.