Roberto Fonseca is one of the most extraordinary, charismatic young pianists, composers and band leaders to explode from Cuba in recent times. He and his band will be at the Lichfield Garrick on Thursday 11 July as part of the terrific Lichfield Festival
[blockquote]A tumbling mix of electro and analogue sounds, creating am absorbing, textured showcase for some extraordinary musicianship. The energy Fonseca applies to mixing traditions is exhilarating[/blockquote]
He wowed audiences as a member of Buena Vista Social Club, and his debut album Zamazu was released to global acclaim. An explosive pianist, Fonseca’s dazzling music draws on the traditions of Cuban music though he also as well as an unparalleled gift for melody. Soulful and beguiling, his music transcends artificial definitions such as jazz or Latin but is a vibrant, wondrous contemporary reinvention of the venerable traditions of both musics.
[h3]Cuban Carnival Vibe[/h3]
When Roberto Fonseca plays, the music seeps from every pore in his body, at times on stage he stands and hammers the piano as if it were a percussion instrument or he grabs a drum and transforms his group into a ‘Comparsa’ – the name for the Cuban carnival groups that parade the streets once a year – and gets the audiences dancing euphorically…..
Roberto’s latest album, simply entitled ‘yo’, ‘I’ , or ‘me’ in Spanish, evokes an era of rebirth for the 36 year old. Echoed by the striking image on the cover. “This album unveils the beginning of a new phase more than the closure of an old one,” explains Fonseca. “On YO, I want to delve deep into my roots in light of my experiences and show the diversity of my musical universe, all these ideas which I had put aside, unable to use until now.”
[h3]Old School[/h3]
Since he was a teenager listening to Herbie Hancock & The Headhunter’s jazz funk, which clearly inspire his work today. Roberto has had an interest in old school keyboards like
the Hammond and Moog. “I’ve been lucky enough to be able to observe and learn from many musicians who play the Hammond. I have played it live a number of times but this is the first time I’ve used it on a recording.”
Staffordshire festival goers planning their itinerary for the annual hoopla that is Lichfield Festival, will be able to experience his explosive fusion of jazz, traditional music and soul when he performs at the Garrick Theatre on July 11
[h3]When is it[/h3]
11 July 2013
[h3]Where is It[/h3]
Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR
[h3]How to Book[/h3]
Public Booking for the Festival opens on Tuesday 7 May
You can Book Online here
You can also book by telephone on 01543 412121 or in person at the Lichfield Garrick,
The full line up for this years Lichfield Festival is available here
