Gonzalo Rubalcaba Plays in Cuba after 12 Years

HAVANA TIMES, Dec 19 — Cuban pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba returned to the Cuban stage during the International Jazz Festival-Plaza 2011, after 12 years of living in the United States.

“For me it’s essential to strengthen communication with Cubans on the island, that’s the importance of coming here. I’m merely a Cuban who has moved to lead my life elsewhere, but that doesn’t take away my right to be Cuban,” he commented to the Prensa Latina news agency.

The Cuban jazz musician — a winner of four Grammys and a 14-time nominee — presented his new album Siglo XXI in a concert at Havana’s Mella Theater during the festival.