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Chucho Valdés + Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Chucho and Gonzalo playing the piano

The leaders of two generations of Cuban piano perform together, ‘tossing sly musical one-liners back and forth’ (New York Times).

Both could be considered to be the leading exponents of their era; Chucho Valdés as the founder and composer who fuelled the fire of the seminal Jazz/Rock band Irakere, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, whose recordings with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian remain a masterpiece in the art of the piano trio.

The pianists have a historic relationship with the music of Cuba and summon the salon elegance of a by-gone time, but also create a duo of rare originality with tunes that journey from the popular and classical repertoire into the African-American Jazz mainstream – especially the music of Thelonious Monk. Tonight will see new compositions from both artists.

Produced by the Barbican in association with EFG London Jazz Festival

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