LOS ANGELES - College students filed into the dimly lit roomexpecting to hear jazz music, but probably did not expect the fiery performance they were privy to that night. The University of Redlands sponsors a trip to the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles once a year, as a conclusion to the jazz history course. Those on the trip on Wednesday, Nov.
29, got to see a five piece band led by pianist Jesus "Chuchito" Valdez. Valdez is the son of the famous Jesus "Chucho" Valdez, a world renowned pianist as well. He comes from Havana, Cuba, and has toured the world with various bands, such as the Cuban band Irakere.
You could easily hear the styles and rhythms of Carribean music in his playing, even in the jazz pieces. The music was a product of a variety of influences, such as Afro-Cuban jazz and Bebop. The band Wednesday consisted of Valdez on piano, drummer Raul Pineda, Sawa Perez on the standing bass, and Nengue Hernandez playing congas.
Valdez played with such intensity that he would actually stand up attimes, pounding down on the keys as Pineda picked up the tempo. Student Page Eaton said, "This was different from any performance I've seen. My parents listened to Latin music, like the Buena Vista Social Club, so I
" Impressive solos were given by all the musicians. Student Eric Davis said, "The bassist was great. I remember one solo where you could just see that he was in the zone, it sounded incredible.
" This style of music uses very complex rhythms, which make Latin music so easily distinguishable. Hernandez impressed the crowd with his conga skills, his hands becoming a blur during his solos. By the time the first intermission came, everyone in the room had been energized by the music.
Student George Parker said, "I've seen live jazz, but this had a lot more life. I liked the congas a lot." The trip, led by U of R professor Dan Murphy, only cost students eight dollars, which included transportation via two buses.
It was a great way for the students to experience the music they had been studying, although not everyone on the trip was part of the course.
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