The Maestro: The Life & Legacy of Chucho Valdés

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A film produced by SFJAZZ celebrating the life and legacy of Cuban piano legend Chucho Valdés, the honoree of the SFJAZZ Gala 2019 on January 31, 2019, featuring heartfelt words from Chucho's many friends and collaborators including Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Christian McBride, Omara Portuondo, Rebeca Mauleón, Danilo Pérez, John Santos, Carlitos Del Puerto, Pedrito Martinez, Branford Marsalis, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Edited and produced by Ross Eustis

Footage courtesy of Chucho Valdés & Family, Susan Sillins, Rick Swig, Calle 54, Capitol Theatre, Fernando Trueba, Gonzalo Rubalcaba (Trance, 5Passion), Frank Stewart and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

ABOUT CHUCHO VALDÉS

We honor the life and work of Chucho Valdés, the greatest living Cuban pianist and a singular force in jazz for more than half a century. As the prodigious son of Cuban maestro Bebo Valdés, Chucho was recognized as a vital young artist when he launched the revolutionary band Irakere in 1973 with a lineup including saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Discovered and introduced internationally by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, the band’s unprecedented synthesis of folkloric Afro-Cuban rhythms, sacred drums, rock, funk, and jazz opened up vast new musical frontiers for exploration, influencing generations of musicians to follow. As a solo performer, composer, and bandleader, Chucho has continued to blaze trails, winning six GRAMMY awards, three Latin GRAMMYs, and the 2018 Latin GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award.

ABOUT THE SFJAZZ GALA 2018

SFJAZZ Gala 2019 celebrates Chucho Valdés with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award during our most lively and influential fundraiser. The party is centered around the Gala Concert, featuring the most exciting names in jazz in all-star collaborations—all culminating in an unforgettable late night After Party.

The fundraiser allows SFJAZZ to continue growing its vibrant artistic and education programs, presenting over 400 concerts and bringing our education initiatives to over 23,000 students each year. SFJAZZ Gala is a benefit advancing the art form of jazz through artists, students, and communities. Each gift is tax deductible. If you wish to make a fully tax deductible gift towards SFJAZZ artistic and education programs, please click here: https://www.sfjazz.org/donate