This month, Resident Artistic Director John Santos brings together a monster group to pay tribute to legendary Cuban bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez and living Cuban percussion master Walfredo de los Reyes. Calling the two-night engagement at the SFJAZZ Center "Un Danzón Pa' Cachao, Una Descarga Pa' Walfredo," Santos celebrates the classic Cuban danzón and descarga (Cuban jam session) traditions, which these two latin giants defined throughout their prolific careers.
Joining Santos's working Sextet is saxophonist/clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera, Walfredo de los Reyes himself, the great timbalero Orestes Vilató, percussionist Javier Navarrette and The Classical Revolution Trio, to really make the danzónes sing! The eclectic ensemble plays two shows in Miner Auditorium on January 18th & 19th. On the 18th, Santos hangs with the group post-concert to further explain danzónes and descargas!
To preview the concerts, Santos hosts a Listening Party next week on Wednesday, January 8th, focusing on the vital contributions and lasting legacy of both Cachao and Walfredo.
For more information on John Santos' SFJAZZ Residency, visit sfjazz.org. To stay up-to-date with SFJAZZ videos, subscribe to the SFJAZZ YouTube Channel today!
