Alfredo Rodríguez Trio / Dayramir González Quartet

A double dose of Cuban piano pyrotechnics features two of most spectacular improvisers to emerge from the island in the 21st century.  

ABOUT ALFREDO RODRÍGUEZ
After Quincy Jones first heard Alfredo Rodríguez at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2006 the legendary producer guided his ascent as Rodríguez became one of Cuba’s most visible and creatively unfettered musicians. Based in Los Angeles since he defected in 2009, the pianist has released a series of increasingly expansive albums for Mack Avenue, incorporating sounds from South India, Argentina, Spain, the Middle East and beyond. His trio features veteran Cuban drummer Michael Olivera and jazz, world, and R&B bass player Han Beyli.

ABOUT DAYRAMIR GONZÁLEZ
Sharing the bill is Havana-raised, New York-based Dayramir González, a Chucho Valdés protégé whose stellar quartet features well-traveled bassist James Robbins, Argentine-born drummer Juan Chiavassa, and Japanese percussionist Taka Nikaido (who made his first trip to Cuba at 12 to study with the legendary rumba ensemble Los Muñequitos de Matanzas). The combination of González’s historically grounded jazz-meets-danzón tunes and Rodríguez’s epic compositions turn this concert into a sweeping showcase of Cuba’s bravura piano tradition.