Rafael Zaldivar

Back in March 2009, Cuban-born pianist Rafael Zaldivar won the 4th annual Jazz en Rafale Jupiter-Vandoren New Talent Contest. And here at last is the long awaited result of his achievement: a debut album entitled “Life Directions”. The album contains 12 tracks, most of them original compositions. Each piece represents a short story depicting various moments, individuals, and experiences which have marked the pianist’s life.  The album also contains a composition by drummer Kevin Warren, Changing Rooms, and two excellent versions of pieces by Monk: Off minor and Four in one.

Rafael Zaldivar grew up in a family of musicians, and has been playing piano and percussions since the age of 10. Throughout the album you can hear the distinctive percussive quality of his rapid and precise playing style, reminiscent of Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum, his main sources of inspiration. subject of music. With Nicolas Bédard on double bass and Kevin Warren on drums, Rafael has founded a fresh young trio displaying perfect osmosis, delivering original and modern jazz with an intense Cuban beat.

01. Guajira
02. Aguas de tinajon
03. DelfinaMP3
04. Cimarron Part One
05. Cimarron Part Two
06. Baila mi changui
07. Changing Rooms
08. Li
09. Four In One
10. Life Directions
11. Off Minor
12. Remembering Felito