Jesus “Chuchito” Valdés - (Pianist, arranger, composer, bandleader)
Born in Havana Cuba, Chuchito Valdes comes from one of the most distinguished musical families in Cuba. He is the son of Chucho Valdes and his mother, Mercedes Alfaro Cortes, Grandfather Bebo Valdes. He led the world renown band, Irakere for several years, which his father was the founder. He has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world, mainly performing in the United States to large Latin Jazz audiences as well as South America and throughout Europe. Chuchito is recognized as a master at Cuban music including Mambo, Danzon, and Cuban Timba and Guaguanco. He has also extensively studied classical music including harmony and composition. Chuchito has always had a deep passion for American Jazz and his favorite piano players are Oscar Peterson, the great Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, which he has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him. In his latest project which is called Reflections, he shows his versatility of original compositions and arrangements drawing on classical harmonic and structural techniques.