Domingo reflections

Domingo reflections
12:45 am Lunes, 23 Febrero

Just in from hearing Roberto Fonseca’s group at Havana Jazz Club, which is about 7 blocks from “mi casa.” They were just as wonderful as when I first heard them at the Havana Jazz Festival 2 weeks ago. In fact, they were more impressive . Outstanding musicianship that touches and communicates. Fonesca is a pianist and composer (early 30’s in age) who has this stream of creativity that flows in long lines that at times are as funky as you would ever want to be, or as pensive and sweet as you cannot stand, or as exciting and driving as you can stand. He is the real deal. The horn player, bassist and drummer were the same as the jazz festival and they are all just killers…clear that they have spent plenty of time making music together. They again performed a song in memory of Cachaito that I first heard at the jazz festival. What a beautiful piece.

After the gig, I spoke with Javier Zalba, the reed player, and hope to hear from him. It would be great to bring him in for a special session with the students. Plus I want to spend time with him and talk saxophonics. The other day, Alan bought his book on saxophone technique studies for me. On the way back to the crib tonight, night blooming jasmine enriched my senses – just came out of the dark and embraced me in sweetness.

Earlier I went to a “violin,” which was a spiritual ceremony to Oshun/Ochun that Alan knew of. This was different as they used violin, guitar and bongos rather than sanctified drums. It was located not too far from our residence and was an interesting aesthetic that I found very different from the tambors I have experienced. No batas, no African based cancion. Much of the repertoire seemed to be boleros and popular music, including a rendetion of “I Did It My Way.” Ahh Babs. I will have to talk with Alan about this to gain some insight.

Viernes, 20 Febrero, Alan and I went to Habana Jazz Club to hear Cesar Lopez, an alto saxophonist considered one of the top contemporary Cuban musicians. The club is located at the end of the Paseo, where it links with the Malecon. Two big hotels also right across from it so plenty of touristas. The club is actually located on the 2nd floor of a mall. We got there around 10:30 and were told the band went on at midnight. Also the club does not have a no-smoking policy...what a drag! - no pun intended. Ok, so that is the deal here in Habana. Admission was 10 Cuc each which included multiple drinks and food too. Ain't gonna get that in the states for such little dinero. A cuc is one of Cuba's currency and equals about $1.20. The other national currency is monedo national and it takes 24 of these to equal one Cuc.

The band begins to show up around 11:45pm. It is a six piece group with electric bass, keyboards and guitar along with traps, congas and Cesar on alto and flute. By 12:15 they launch into the music. Up tempo and exciting, with Cesar burning on the alto. Band is tight and know one another. Their style may be influenced by Irakere as well as Grover Washington and James Brown. They stay in the pocket. They do four or five tunes in about an hour, including a beautiful bolero and end with a blistering rendition of Tizol's "Caravan." AB would have loved this one.