Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz

The definitive guide to Latin jazz by two masters of the genre! Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz is, at the same time: 1) A songbook of the best compositions of the ground-breaking Cuban fusion group Irakere, 2) A thorough guide to the roots and structure of Afro-Cuban jazz in general 3) An overview of Maestro Valdés influences and contributions to the music.*****Decoding Afro-Cuban Jazz is the first publication of its kind to thoroughly examine the work of the legendary pianist/composer Chucho Valdés, providing a gateway to better understanding Afro-Cuban jazz as a whole. It opens the door to Valdés creative process in bridging the worlds of traditional and contemporary Cuban music with classical music and jazz. A unique treasure for all lovers of Latin music!

Pianist and composer Chucho Valdes is probably the greatest living exponent of Afro-Cuban jazz. His records are state-of-the-art and have been since he founded the Cuban 'fusion' group Irakere in the 1970s. Rebeca Mauleon is a master Afro-Cuban pianist herself, as well as an educator and author, including writing the world-famous book, The Salsa Guidebook.