Chuchito Valdes Trio

Born in Havana, pianist, composer and arranger Chuchito Valdés (Jesús Valdés Jr.) comes from one of the most distinguished musical families of Cuba. The son of legendary Cuban pianist Jesús “Chucho” Valdés, Chuchito also learned from listening to the recordings of his grandfather, Bebo Valdés, one of Cuba’s greatest composers. He was a child prodigy who studied with many Cuban masters, including his father. He has studied extensively, Cuban music, Classical music and Jazz piano. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renowned Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. Chuchito Valdes’ Afro-Cuban Ensemble performs contemporary Afro-Cuban originals along with arrangements of classic Cuban standards by his father. With an expansive repertoire that makes room for traditional Cuban melodies like “Tres Lindas Cubanas'”next to compositions from John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”, the ensemble peppers their sets with Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz standards, intelligent originals and infectious rhythms. He has performed at festivals,clubs and concerts throughout the world. When Chuchito is not travelling around the world performing, he lives in Cancun, Mexico, where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble.