Jazz Concert Review: Chucho Valdes’ Afro-Cuban Fusion at Lugano Estival 2015

I decided to watch and analyze the performance by Chucho Valdes live at the Lugano Estival Jazz in Piazza Riforma in Switzerland on July 9, 2015.

Jazz Concert Overview

The performance starts with a musician solely playing a catchy rhythm on the batás while everyone else waits to join in. He seems very focused and passionate about his instrument, and that has everyone intrigued. It is an awe-inspiring solo that showcases his skill and dedication as a musician. The rhythm reminds me of African people dancing to a native dance.

A couple of minutes in, the shekere, guitar, piano, trumpets, drums, and saxophones join.

Cultural Resonance and Performance Evolution

The individual who played the batás started singing in a language I had never heard before but that I can associate with an African tribe doing a ritual. He has a chorus repeating some of the words he says. Soon after, the song speeds up and changes direction to “Jazzy.” The individual continues singing in the unknown language, which I find interesting. In terms of the size of the band, I would say it is medium in size because you certainly have a variation of instruments showcased in both Jazz and Latin music, such as trumpets, drums, saxophones, piano, guitar, vocalist, shekere, bass, and batás.

The song ends with one word and the drum in unison. The people clap with approval, and Chucho hopes they enjoy their night. It is a very welcoming and tranquil atmosphere filled with people who are there purely to enjoy the music and its complexity.

The musicians are dressed in casual clothing, as is Chucho Valdes. Their overall behavior is very professional, and you can immediately tell that they love the music they are playing and that they are content doing what they do best. They were undoubtedly engaged throughout their performance. Up until the second song, there are no errors or disagreements between the musicians and the song.

The second song leans a lot more towards Jazz, and you can hear all the instruments that are usually featured in jazz music, such as the saxophone, piano, bass, trumpet, and drum; yet, you still have some instruments related to Latin music, such as the conga, playing in the background. In much of the song, the saxophone is the predominant instrument, and the person playing it is incredibly talented.

It is a slower piece than the first, and that brings tranquility. The song features an excellent transition, starting as a jazz piece and ending with a Latin music style. The way the musicians and instruments are arranged works well. You have the piano on the stage right, the drums and bass on the stage center, and the percussion and the brass family on the stage left.

The third song starts with a piano solo, and a few seconds later, the rest of the instruments accompany the piano, creating a fast tempo that makes you want to dance; it slows down with a jazz concerto and becomes fast again. There is also much change in the dynamics; sometimes, it is very abrupt, and other times, it builds up, but the instruments play in accordance every single time. The songs are very long in duration time, and when you think they are done, they pick up the pace and continue the song.

Audience Engagement and Stage Dynamics

The audience appeared to be significantly engaged in the music being played. The people attending that performance went there for no reason other than experiencing great music and having a good time. The support and respect from the audience were apparent from the beginning. The music was the primary focus of the whole event. Even though I did not go there live, I got an ambiance of joy and exuberance, not only from the audience but from the musicians themselves, and that is perhaps one of the greatest feelings because, as an individual, you feel as if it were you playing on that busy stage.

Highlight: Lorena’s Tango and Concert Reflection

Of all the songs I listened to, my favorite was a composition titled “Lorena’s Tango” or “El Tango de Lorena.” You are taken on a magical trip full of various dynamics, pitches, and rhythms from beginning to end. However, the song stays true to its unmistakable tango form. The song starts with a run on the piano, and the recognizable tango rhythm immediately starts playing. It is played on a wide range of the piano; thus, the distinct sounds. It transitions to what can be referred to as the Latin style and back to the tango melody.

Then, everyone plays pianissimo, with the piano being the loudest as it plays through the melody accompanied by various instruments, including the bass, the drums, the saxophone, the trumpet, percussion, and the batás. After a lengthy piano solo, the song’s volume increments, and once again, tension builds, and there is another transition to that well-known Latin style of music and back to the tango. Towards the end of the song, one is surprised by an unprecedented jazz section with a saxophone solo, and it ends with the tango.

I loved the event; it was such an exceptional and marvelous performance that I only wish I had been allowed to watch it in person. The music was astonishing; it was full of life. The acoustics were sensational, and the audience was very deferential. The passion and delight of the musicians were truly remarkable, and I enjoyed every second of it. I have heard this music all my life, but simultaneously, it is so unique and beautiful that I am left speechless.

I recall the professionalism and talent shown by the musicians and the passion, energy, and enjoyment transmitted by the performers to the audience. I also recall the attention and respect of the audience towards the music. I loved that Chucho Valdes stayed true to his Afro-Cuban Jazz style and that I could differentiate the Cuban, African, and Jazz styles in every single song. Moreover, there were many songs; I lost count by the sixth song. It was a fantastic experience.

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