Chuchito Valdes

Born in Havana Cuba, Chuchito Valdes comes from one of the most distinguished musical families in Cuba. He has recorded and performed piano with the world renown Cuban band, Irakere, which he led for 2 years. He has performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba and the Caribbean, across the United States and South America, and throughout Europe.

Some of his worldwide appearances have included Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club in London and Catalina's in Los Angeles. His festival appearances include the Jazz Festivals of Havana, Cancun, Merida, San Francisco's Yerba Buena Music Festival, Detroit Chicago, San Jose, Aspen, and many others . His band has toured the U.S. on several occasions and has played all the major clubs in all the major cities as well concert halls in Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit and more.

In his youth he studied with many Cuban masters, such as the great Cuban pianist, Chucho Valdes (who also happens to be his father). 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. When he is not travelling around the world performing, Chuchito lives in Cancun, Mexico where he leads his Afro-Cuban based Latin-Jazz ensemble. His original compositions and arrangements draw on classical harmonic and structural techniques. In his performances, Chuchito's music draws on many styles including Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz, Bebop, Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son Montuno and much more. While Chuchito is technically brilliant, his music makes people move and possesses warmth and radiance. Chuchito Valdes is clearly a star on the rise.