9/18/2012

SFJAZZ-Discover Jazz Course 2 Música Cubana: Jazz in Cuba and Beyond


Looks like the indomitable folks at SFJAZZ are at it again. Let me tell you how much I love these guys. Not only do they bring excellent jazz musicians from all over the world to my little town of San Francisco, they also promote local acts, smaller venues and very importantly provide educational classes on jazz and Latin jazz. I've taken a couple of these courses including a full series on rumba taught by John Santos, which was incredible.

This latest series  Música Cubana: Jazz in Cuba and Beyond is being taught by the lovely and incredibly talented pianist Rebecca Mauleon!

The subject of the series is the underexposed topic of jazz and Cuban music, both jazz in Cuba and Cuba's influence on jazz here in America. As a Latin jazz musician and conguero this is a topic I am absolutely interested in and will be sure to attend every lecture.


Música Cubana: Jazz in Cuba and Beyond

 
Of all the Antilles, no island has done more to influence the outcome of American jazz than Cuba…from the infectious mambo to modern-day timba and beyond. Jazz, too, made its indelible mark on the island’s music, exploring the perfect marriage of luscious harmony and dance-churning rhythms, and finding a host of innovators along the way who would share the wealth of this “new” music, much of which would evolve far to the north in New York City. From the classic sounds of Machito and Mario Bauzá, Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente to the explosive modernists such as Chucho Valdés, Irakere and Emiliano Salvador, Jazz and Cuban music continue to walk – and dance – hand in hand. Taught by pianist, musicologist and SFJAZZ Director of Education Rebeca Mauleón, this five-week series will explore the remarkable history of jazz in and out of Cuba, and will feature live performances by Mauleón herself along with many special guest artists! This course may be enjoyed as a series or individually.


Wednesday, October 3, 7:00PM • Jewish Community Center of SF
In this class we will explore the myriad genres that stand today as some of the world’s most popular and influential styles – from the conga and the mambo to the cha-cha-chá – and discover how Cuban music has made such an indelible mark.

Wednesday, October 10, 7:00PM • Jewish Community Center of SF
The vast repertoire associated with both jazz and Cuban music often crosses the line both harmonically and
rhythmically, creating virtually unlimited interpretations. In this class we explore similarity and contrast between jazz and Cuban music.
Cubano Be, Cubano Bop

Wednesday, October 17, 7:00PM • Jewish Community Center of SF
The explosion of the big band era would firmly cement the importance of dance music in both Cuban and North American cultures, with iconic figures at the helm including Machito & Mario Bauzá, Dizzy Gillespie & Chano Pozo, Pérez Prado, Bebo Valdés, Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente.

Revolutionary Fusion
Wednesday, October 24, 7:00PM • Jewish Community Center of SF
In the Caribbean, it is said music and politics go hand in hand. What took place in the years during and after Cuba’s revolution found musicians exploring new and often forbidden territory. Bold experimental groups such as Irakere emerged with a new sense of identity and sonic possibilities.
 
Young Lions

Wednesday, October 31, 7:00PM • Jewish Community Center of SF
Equally versed in classical music, jazz and Cuban folk and popular idioms, younger generations have burst on the scene eager to show the world their mind-boggling chops and stellar musicianship. From Gonzalo Rubalcaba to Alfredo Rodrdríguez, Dafnis Prieto and more, we will celebrate the young lions of Cuban jazz.