Irakere

Lots of the best Cuban jazz music artists have played in Irakere in the past many years, including altoist Paquito D’Rivera and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval (before both individually defected). Pianist Chucho Valdes continues to be the orchestra’s longtime head, and its own music runs from Latin jazz and bop to Cuban folk melodies, with an focus on infectious rhythms and advanced improvisations. Many of Irakere’s information have been offered domestically (including pieces for Columbia and Jazz Home), however the interesting band had not been able to go to the USA until 1996. The record Toda Cuba Baila con Irakere implemented two years afterwards.