“NEW ERA” JAZZ IN CUBA
Cuban saxophonist Michel Herrera has just launched his third CD. “Nueva Era” was recorded at the Cuban music label EGREM studio in Havana’s Playa neighborhood on Eighteenth Avenue between First and Third Streets. The music on the album is a fusion of contemporary Jazz with Cuban sounds and rhythms. “I see Jazz as a great fusion and I don’t think I’m the only one in Cuba that believes this. We have contributed a great deal to world music. The way music is made has changed, and this new CD reflects those changes.
His latest CD includes performances by Maykel Gonzalez, Eduardo Sandoval, Delbis Ponce, Carlos Beitia, Aldo Lopez Gavilan, Yandy Martinez, Jorgito Aragon, and Edgar Martinez Ochoa,” said Michel Herrera. The CD includes songs composed by Michel and Cuban classics like “Mari,” by Chucho Valdes and Pablo Milanes. The “New Era” CD was launched with a DVD which includes live performances of the album’s songs that were filmed around Havana. Michel Herrera stated, “I think that the visuality of the project corresponds with the music. From my viewpoint it’s very coherent and highlights the sounds and images of Havana. That was one of the objectives of the DVD, we wanted to show off Havana and some of its’ clubs. Our show at el Cuervo Encantado was very interesting, with many Jazz musicians from all over the island showing up. I shared the stage with Buena Vista Social Club singer Idania Valdes, and with Ernan Lopez-Nussa and Tommy Loury.”
By Clao York