Chucho Valdes & Irakere

The Profile

Chucho Valdés & Irakere refers to the Cuban pianist and his groundbreaking band Irakere, founded in 1973. The group fused Afro‑Cuban rhythms with jazz and helped redefine Latin jazz on the world stage, earning a Grammy Award in 1979.

Irakere was formed in Havana in 1973 by pianist Chucho Valdés, son of Cuban pianist and composer Bebo Valdés. The band pioneered a fusion of Afro‑Cuban folkloric elements and jazz, and won the 1979 Grammy Award for Best Latin Recording.

A first-time jazz-goer walks into Bergamo Jazz Festival and leaves converted. The Chuco Valdés Quintet delivers an hour of cheerful, explosive Latin jazz, fusing classic jazz with Cuban rhythms. After the break, Gianluca Petrella’s Cosmic Band shifts to a psychedelic, acid-jazz wall of sound. Verdict: an eye-opening, joyfully rhythmic night at Teatro Donizetti.