Jazz Standard: New Dimensions in Latin Jazz with Miguelo Valdés

9/11 New Dimensions in Latin Jazz “A Cuban Drum Series” with Miguelo Valdés

Enrique Fernández – flute & alto saxophone
Edgar Pantoja – piano
Mario Rodriguez – bass
Marvin Diz – timbales
Miguelo Valdés – congas

One of the most fluid and inventive of contemporary congueros, Miguelo Valdés was born into a large musical family steeped in the rich and colorful rumba tradition in Havana, Cuba. While in Cuba, he per­formed, recorded and toured for a number of years with Emiliano Salvador; he also accompanied Richard Egues, Xiomara Laugart, and many other important musical artists. After relocating to Mexico City in the ‘90s, Miguelo Valdés soon established himself as a first call percussionist performing with such notables as Israel López (Cachao), Celia Cruz, Chocolate Armenteros, Carlos Patato Valdés, Albita Rodríguez, Emmanuel, the Buena Vista Social Club, and Juan de Marcos’ Afro–Cuban All Stars. With alto saxopho­nist Enrique Fernández, Valdés is a co–director of the acclaimed group SaxtetoNY. – Music charge: $20

9/17 – 9/18 Miguel Zenón Rhythm Collective

Miguel Zenón – alto saxophone
Aldemar Valentín – electric bass
Tony Escapa – drums
Reinaldo de Jesús – percussion

Making its Jazz Standard debut this week, this exciting band first came together for a U.S. State Depart­ment tour of West Africa in 2003 but did not release an album until this year’s Oye!!! Live In Puerto Rico. “The edgy and the artful come together in covers and originals that don’t lack for rhythmic vivacity, yet don’t feel hemmed in by the grooves,” wrote Dan Bilawsky at AllAboutJazz.com. “The music often gives off a loose and open ended feeling, but it also sizzles with percussive heat. Drummer Tony Escapa and percussionist Reynaldo de Jesús burn with the fire of a thousand suns at times, but balance their fre­netic energy with a more spacious outlook. Zenón and electric bassist Aldemar Valentín share in their ability to blur lines, delivering melodic rhythms and rhythmic melodies throughout.” – Music charge: $20

9/26 – 9/29 Vinicius Cantuária Quintet

Vinicius Cantuária – guitar, vocals
Helio Alves – piano
Paul Socolow – bass
Adriano Santos – drums
Dende – percussion

Some years ago, Vinicius Cantuária stated that his artistic goal is “to do beautiful music, to play in small jazz clubs like my personal Fab Four: Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Tom Jobim and Chet Baker.” On his new album Indio De Apartamento (Naïve Records), this wonderful musician succeeds in capturing the magical atmosphere of his live performances in a studio recording, with guest appearances by guitarist Bill Frisell and pianists Ryuichi Sakamoto and Norah Jones.  “Cantuaria’s voice is a rich, elegant, flexible instrument that moves easily from an apparently effortless silky croon to deep bass notes and affectingly gentle high ones,” wrote Chris Parker in London Jazz News. “…The resulting album is deliciously understated but consistently compelling…” A special musician works his special magic, this week at Jazz Standard! – Music charge: $25/30 (Friday & Saturday)

ALL SHOW TIMES:  7:30 & 9:30PM + 11:30PM ON FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Jazz Standard is located at 116 E. 27^th Street (between Lexington and Park) – Train 6 to E. 28^th Street

NEVER A MINIMUM – Student Discounts (restrictions apply)

Enjoy “NYC’s Best Barbecue” (Time Out New York) from BLUE SMOKE And an extensive wine, beer and cocktail list.

For reservations call Jazz Standard at 212.576.2232 or visit www.ticketweb.com

Artists and schedules are subject to change