Havana - LA Jazz Flute Summit

The Jazz Bakery and La Plaza de la Cultura y Artes presents: Havana – LA Jazz Flute Summit

For the first time in Los Angeles three major forces in the history of Cuban flute, Orlando “Maraca” Valle (Cuba), Justo Almario (Colombia) and Art Webb (USA) will join forces to present to jazz aficionados a memorable concert never seen before in the City of Angels.

About “Maraca”: Born in Havana to a family of musicians, Orlando “Maraca” Valle started playing the flute at ten and studied at the Higher Institute of Art of Havana. By 1988 was asked to join Cuba’s famous Irakere (founded by Chucho Valdés) where he served as flutist, keyboardist, and arranger. With six years of international fame with Irakere under his belt, Maraca launched his solo career in 1994 with Pasaporte, which featured collaborations with noted Cuban percussionists Tata Güines and Miguel “Angá” Díaz.& He has since earned an international reputation not only as a master flutist but also as a writer and arranger.

About Justo Almario: A multitalented master saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, and arranger, Almario born in Sincelejo, Colombia comes from a musical family dedicated since childhood to play woodwind instruments.

He studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, before a stint with Mongo Santamaria. During his glorious career he also performed and recorded with Jon Lucien, Frank Foster, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, Diane Reeves, George Duke, Sergio Mendes, Billy Higgins, Dave Grusin, Ndugu Chancler, Kenny Burrell, Master P, Bebe Winans, Queen Latifah, Charles Mingus, Chaka Kahn, Herb Alpert, Bobby Shew, and many others.

About Art Webb: Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from The Philadelphia Musical Academy. Art is the owner of a powerful sound and impeccable technique. Since he moved to New York in 1971 Mr. Webb recorded at leats 85 albums as a band leader and guest for top artists through the heyday of jazz fusion and also made his mark on the salsa scene. Art Webb recorded and performed with Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke. Freddie Hubbard, Pharoah Sanders, Ronnie Cuber, Machito, McCoy Tyner, among others.

QUOTES ABOUT MARACA:

Luxurious and lively, flutist Orlando “Maraca” Valle’s Reencuentros shows him at a new level of artistic growth. It’s an international dream Latin jazz band—the “all star” billing is no hype—coupled with a marvelous, really-existing 18-piece Cuban string orchestra. Ned Sublette - Down Beat Magazine

"(…) Orlando 'Maraca' Valle has taken on the challengeto make something happen, to go beyond the ordinary." Peter Watrous - The New York Times

“Maraca”, A Cuban flautist that makes things happen. The New York Times.