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Chucho Valdés | The Creation
Berklee Performance Center Fri. October 14, 8:00 PM
The Creation, the newest project of pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés, deploys the legend’s formidable compositional talents to take audiences through the Regla de Ocha story of creation, from the Afro-Cuban religious practice Santería. A three-movement suite, La Creación is Chucho’s latest new work for big band, Afro-Cuban percussion, and vocals.
Elements of the Santería religion and other Yoruba influences have inspired Valdés for decades, and he has returned to these cultural touchstones throughout the many phases of his storied career, from the big band Irakere to the original and re-launched Jazz Batá trio. This evening-length suite is a chance to hear the full expression of a legend’s engagement with these powerful cultural ritual elements, and to explore how Valdés has woven his cultural heritage throughout his extraordinary career.