Marsalis Says Cuban Visit Is an Honour

U.S. jazz musician, trumpet player and artistic director of the Jazz Lincoln Center Orchestra of New York (JLCO), Wynton Marsalis, described as an honour his visit to Cuba and said that we are one big family and one single generation.

In a press conference, accompanied by his friend, Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdes, as well as singer Omara Portuondo, Marsalis defined his stay in the capital as being in a jam session. We all unite as one, he stated.

Considered one of the most outstanding Jazz figures in the last 20 years, Marsalis extolled the tradition of Cuban musicians, who have enriched Jazz from its early times and termed his trip to Cuba a very personal experience.

Referring to the work of JLCO, he said its members have the premise to build a bridge to create one single way and build a big family from one generation to another. Our slogan is to be united in Swing.

In opinion of the group's musical director, Puerto Rican Carlos Henriquez, the objective of this visit is to take again the bridge already built by Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie. We have to continue this story until the world is over, be united.

Marsalis recorded the song "Esta tarde vi llover," by Armando Manzanero, in Havana on Sunday with Cuban singer Omara Portunondo and pianist Chucho Valdés.

"It was a magical afternoon, during which Valdés and I each remembered our fathers," Marsalis told reporters.

The three artists got together Sunday afternoon in the studios of Valdés, founder of the legendary Cuban band Irakere.

Marsalis arrived in Cuba on Saturday to perform concerts in the capital with his band, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He also plans to tour art schools and give workshops and a master class.

The concerts will be held October 5-9 at the Mella Theater in Havana, according to announcements. They will also tour schools and offer workshops to young students.