This DVD tells the story of one of the most legendary groups in modern Cuban popular music: Irakere. Irakere won a Grammy in 1979, and his repertoire remains a prime example of the American and Cuban musicians impassioned dialog. The brilliant pianist Jesus “Chucho” Valdes, the son of legendary Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes, founded in 1973 Irakere, named for an Yoruba word meaning “Forest” of “Jungle.” The band produced several major headliners over the years, notably trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, and his sound is a lush but quirky synthesis of Valdes Afro-Cuban heritage and early classical training, plus bebop jazz. He draws heavily upon Cuban folk sources, tradition rhythms, and country dance, but is just as likely to channel the spirits of Dizzy Gillespie or Charlie Parker. An incredibly inventive and fluid pianist, revered as national trasure in Cuba, Chucho writes most of the band's compositions and arrangements.

Directed by Ilena Rodriguez, it features live performances of “Misa Negra,” “Chango,” “Stella Va A Estallar” and many others. Includes interviews with Chucho and Oscar Valdes, Carlos Emilio Morales, Enrique Pla, Jose Luis Cortes, Julio Padron, Cesar Lopez, German Velazco, Jorge Reyes, and Basilio Marques. 115 minutes.

Publisher: MVD
Series: Live/DVD
Medium: DVD
Format: DVD
Credits: featuring Irakere
Artist(s): Chucho Valdés, Irakere