The magic and artistry of Chucho Valdés

Acclaimed pianist/bandleader/composer/author/educator Rebeca Mauleón discusses the long and incredibly versatile career of pianist/composer Chucho Valdés, who founded the groundbreaking jazz fusion group Irakere 50 years ago.  In 2018, Mauleón and Valdés co-authored the book Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz. In both his Irakere compositions and in his solo career, Valdés has often drawn from Afro-Cuban folkloric music—rumba, batá drumming—for inspiration.

Songs played:

Misa Negra, Irakere
El Tata Cimarrón, Irakere
Xiomara, Irakere
Ochún, Chucho Valdés featuring Regina Carter