Win Tickets to SF Jazz Presents CHUCHO VALDÉS and More!

This exclusive performance is a monumental gathering of the three greatest living Caribbean pianists, brought together in tribute to virtuoso pianist and composer Ernesto Lecuona, renowned as one of the most important and influential figures in Cuban music. His 1928 composition “Malagueña” is a timeless classic, having been covered by artists ranging from jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson, Spanish guitar giant Paco de Lucía and big band innovator Stan Kenton to 50s rock icon Ritchie Valens and surf guitar luminary Dick Dale. The composer is the subject of Playing Lecuona, a new documentary film featuring appearances by Valdés, Rubalcaba and Camilo, who reunite for this show performing solo, in duo and as a trio in an acoustic, unamplified setting.

Chucho Valdés

Son of Cuban music icon Bebo Valdés and an eight-time GRAMMY winner, Chucho Valdés has spent much of his career in the vanguard of the Latin music. As a co-founder of the seminal ensemble Irakere with Paquito D’Rivera and Arturo Sandoval, he forged an unprecedented synthesis of ritualistic Afro-Cuban percussion, post-bop improvisation, European classical music, rock and R&B.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Havana-born master Gonzalo Rubalcaba has integrated huge swaths of the European classical and jazz traditions, while maintaining bone-deep ties to the rhythmic currents of Cuba. Rubalcaba quickly gained fame on the American scene through the efforts of famed bassist Charlie Haden, distinguishing himself with his bravura technique and hair-raising rhythmic prowess.

Michel Camilo

A virtuoso whose lightning two-handed runs and matchless musicality leave audiences shaking their heads in amazement, Michel Camilo came to prominence shortly after settling in New York City in 1979. He has been widely recognized for his astounding technique, with a doctorate from Berklee, a Latin Grammy Award for the 2000 Verve album Spain and a 2004 GRAMMY in the Best Latin Jazz Album category for Live at the Blue Note.