Jazz jam in Havana

September 13. Cuba.

Flute lesson in more fundamentals. Am enjoying the lessons. Evelyn is pretty good at translating what she means.

Went to the jazz club on calle 23. Evelyn’s friends were playing. A very energetic band with sax, trombone and rhythm section. A couple of guest vocals by gorgeous Cuban singer “Yanet”?. The horn players have amazing technique but I find that the soloing is very busy, technical and lacking soul (funnily enough). Not enough contrast or beautiful melodies. The way they play reminds me of letting a bull out the gate.

Got up on stage to jam to “straight no chaser”.

Michel Herrera – saxes
Alejandro Merono – piano
David Faya – bass
Yoandy Algudin – trombone
Reiner Mendoza – drums
Yanet Valdez – vocals