A New Place for Cuban Jazz

Irina Echarry, photos: Caridad

HAVANA TIMES, May 24 — In addition to rallying the country’s composers, the Asociación Cubana de Derecho de Autor Musical (ACDAM) is offering its space to promote musical forms that don’t enjoy wide acceptance – as is the case for trova, canto lirico (lyrical song) and jazz.

For this latter genre, the organization began opening its doors this past Thursday, and jazz will continue to be featured there every third Thursday of the month.

All are invited to jam sessions on those days starting at 6:00 p.m. in the patio of the institution.  This past Thursday featured Alexis Bosch on piano, accompanied by Orlando “Cubajazz” Sanchez and his inseparable sax, Robertico Garcia on trumpet, Emilito del Monte on congas, Keisel Jimenez behind the drums and Jose Ermida on bass.

In a relaxed atmosphere full of musicians and friends of the artists, the group played songs that included a version of the Manisero, San Francisco (a composition by Cubajazz) and even a changui-style work played to a jazz rhythm.

Bosch, who had come up with the idea of the regular series only a few days earlier, announced that this would be a meeting place for jazz lovers as well as: “an exercise prior to the annual JoJazz competition; therefore we’re inviting young music students in addition to professional musicians.”  At this initial jam session were two guest pianists: Alejandro Falcon and Rolando Luna.

Now you know: if you want to hear improvisation, solos, jam sessions and great jazz, you need to come to 6th Street, between 13th and 15th in the Vedado district.  Admission is free and according to the host, “We know you’re going to have a good time.”

To confirm the holding of the sessions, please call: 830-2744

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