This is the one hundred and eighty fourth in a series of special Jazz on the Tube reviews of live stream performances.
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Although he may not be as well known in the United States as he should be, Nachito Herrera is one of the top jazz and Cuban music pianists in the world.
Born Ignacio Herrera (Nachito is a lifelong nickname), he performed with the Havana Symphony Orchestra when he was just 12, was a member of Cubanismo (becoming its chief arranger and musical director), and has since become in great demand both for jazz and classical engagements.
On this very impressive solo recital, Herrera plays both traditional material and his originals with dazzling technique, creative ideas, and a close attention to dynamics and mood variations; he also clearly loves to embrace rich melodies.
One listen to this LiveStream from Nov. 5, 2020 and it is quickly apparent that Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba have some serious competition.