Description

Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval was one of the key figures in the popularization of Afro-Cuban jazz. He became known worldwide through his performances with the Cuban jazz ensemble Irakere, before going solo in the early 1980s. A decade later, Sandoval made news by defecting to the U.S., where he started a new phase of his career, leading various bands and engaging in collaborations with numerous pop artists as well. Sandoval has always been skilled in classical music as well as jazz, and his incredible virtuosity and unique sensibility bespeak an enormously well rounded musician.

Biography

b. 6 November 1949, Artemisa, Havana, Cuba. Starting out as a student of classical trumpet, Sandoval quickly turned to jazz and during the 70s attracted worldwide attention not only for the technical brilliance of his playing but also through the exhilarating Latin influence of his work. He was a founding member of the Orquestra De Música Moderna, which evolved into Irakere. This band performed to great acclaim, winning a Grammy in 1979. After leaving Irakere in 1981, Sandoval led his own bands and appeared as a soloist at festivals and major venues around the world. In July 1990 he defected to America during a European tour. Although mostly engaged in jazz he has also pursued his early interest in the classical form through performances with symphony orchestras in the USA, UK, France and Russia, recording his own "Concerto For Trumpet" with the London Symphony Orchestra for BMG/RCA Records in 1994.
He has also appeared with pop artists, including Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka and Johnny Mathis. Apart from performing at concerts and festivals, Sandoval has long been deeply involved in education. He conducts classes and clinics at universities and colleges, including Florida International University. He serves on several committees, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Educational Committee and is active in the Grammy in the Schools Program. He has also been involved in the publication of trumpet tutors. His jazz work has included spells with Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra and appearances with many leading jazz artists, including Woody Herman, Stan Getz, Woody Shaw, Billy Cobham and Herbie Hancock.
His jazz albums have been applauded by critics and public alike, winning a Grammy for Danzón. This album and the subsequent The Latin Train also won Billboard Awards. As can happen with virtuoso musicians, Sandoval's astonishing technique and his sometimes spectacular playing has occasionally caused less perceptive critics to overlook his deep rooted commitment to the importance of earlier jazz musicians and, in particular, the trumpet giants. Indeed, even when playing at extravagantly fast tempos the clear articulation of his solo lines demonstrates an artist in complete command of his physical, mental and emotional capacities. Although much of his jazz work is developed out of the hard bop school, the older traditions of the form are seldom far from the surface and his love for and understanding of Latin music adds colour and excitement to performances already vivid and exhilarating. In addition to the trumpet Sandoval also plays the flügelhorn and is an excellent pianist, an instrument to which he brings an understated lyricism that contrasts starkly with his bravura brass playing. In addition to composing jazz, Latin and classical music he has also written scores for motion pictures.
DISCOGRAPHY: Breaking The Sound Barrier (Chicago Caribbean Art 1985)***, Arturo Sandoval And His Group With Dizzy Gillespie (Egrem 1985)***, Tumbaito (Messidor 1986)***, No Problem (Ronnie Scott's Jazz House 1987)***, Arturo Sandoval Plays For The Pandas (Cocoral 1987)***, Arturo Sandoval En Concierto Vols. 1 & 2 (Egrem 1987)***, Songs From Europe (Cocoral 1988)***, with Chucho Váldes Straight Ahead (Ronnie Scott's Jazz House 1988)****, Flight To Freedom (GRP 1991)****, I Remember Clifford (GRP 1992)****, Dream Come True (GRP 1993)***, Danzón (Dance On) (GRP 1994)****, The Latin Train (GRP 1995)****, Swingin' (GRP 1996)****, Just Music 1988 recording (Jazz House 1996)*** Hot House (N2K 1997)***, Americana (N2K 1999)***, For Love Or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story (Atlantic 2000)***, L.A. Meetings 1989 recording (CuBop 2001)***, My Passion For The Piano (Crescent Moon/Columbia 2002)***, Trumpet Evolution (Crescent Moon/Columbia 2003)**.
FILMOGRAPHY: For Love Or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story (2001).

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