Roberto Fonseca AKOKAN Born in 1975 (Havana) into a musical family, Roberto Fonseca – career took an unexpected turn. “I went to the EGREM studios to re- despite having been described in many different ways (“the most cord Angá Díaz’s album, invited by him, and when I got there I saw promising and important talent in Cuban music”, “A true revelation many people who were legends to me …, Rubén González, Cachaíto who stands out among pianists of his generation”) – remains faithful López, Guajiro Mirabal…… in two months my whole life changed.” to the wish he has had since the beginning of his career: ”I want my music to reach people who don’t know me, and I dream of one day Shortly afterwards, he was invited to be support pianist to the great becoming a point of reference for my audience…” maestro Rubén González, as part of the renowned Orquesta de Ib- rahim Ferrer and that same year he joined the management com- He started studying piano at the age of 8, though his initial passion pany Montuno. “My God, sharing the stage every night with Rubén was percussion. This interest from such an early age would clearly González was a real dream; I’d just stay there, staring at him play influence his trademark “percussive” piano-playing style. His first for hours”. A dream that toured all over the world, with over 400 “job” was as the drummer for a band doing covers of Beatles songs. concerts, promoting Ibrahim Ferrer’s records next to great legends At the age of 14, he created his first compositions, drawing inspi- such as Cachaíto López, Guajiro Mirabal and Manuel Galbán, among ration from the Afro-Cuban genre: “At school we used to regard others. Playing at the most prestigious venues, such as Frankfurt American jazz as a point of reference; I felt that my music would Alter Oper (Frankfurt), Palais des Congrès (Paris), Albert Hall (Lon- be a fusion of both genres … I liked lots of jazz musicians, such as don), Beacon Theatre (New York), Sydney Opera House (Australia), Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett, but also old American funk and etc. Not a single review of Ibrahim’s concerts, from South America soul classics”. to Asia, would fail to mention Fonseca’s talent and his magnetic sta- ge presence. Omara Portuondo, passionate about his style, invited His appearance as a pianist, aged just 15, was a revelation at him to take part in her tours, among them the Tokyo Jazz Festival in Havana’s “Jazz Plaza” International Festival; he completed his aca- 2002, where he shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Michael Bre- demic training as both pianist and teacher. After this, his desire to cker and Wayne Shorter: “I couldn’t believe it, when Herbie Hancock improve and learn further led him to take a degree in Musical Com- himself called me to play with him, I did not even sleep that night!!” position at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA). At the age of 21, guided by the need to fuse his music with other styles, he embarked That period of intense work, touring round the world, led Roberto on a tour across Italy with singer Augusto Enriquez, which included to realize that his music was ready for creating his own project. He performances on the state TV channel, RAI. Roberto’s path would dug deep to compose each of the songs that form “Zamazu”, the re- cross, one year later, with saxophonist Javier Zalba (Irakere, Cuba- sult of the integration of all his influences; Afro-Cuban music, jazz, nismo), with whom he formed the group “Temperamento”. classical music and traditional Cuban music.

In a year of intense creativity, he recorded and produced his first He discovered that his music can create new possibilities: Meeting album “En el Comienzo”, which won the award for best Jazz album fashion designer Agnès B was the start of a relationship of mutual at the Cubadisco´99 festival; he co-produced, arranged and played admiration. Their rapport first emerged when Roberto started wea- on Augusto Enriquez’s album, “Cuando Yo Sea Grande”, and recor- ring her creations for all his performances, and took shape when Ro- ded his first solo album “Tiene Que Ver” which he released in 1999, berto played live for the Agnès B fashion show in Paris in July 2006. receiving an award in the popular Cuban music category of the Tri- malca competition, organised by UNESCO. His second solo work was In mid 2004 Ibrahim Ferrer decided to carry out a project that would quick to be released, and in 2000 he presented “No Limit”, recorded be the climax of his artistic career, a record and a tour of his treasu- and produced by Roberto for Japanese record label JVC. The same red boleros, which would celebrate the singer’s love for the genre. year he composed the soundtrack for the film “Black”, by French His close relationship with Roberto and the trust he placed in his director P. Maraval, and produced the record “Un montón de cosas” musical abilities led to Roberto taking part in the first recordings. for the Hip-Hop group Obsesión. He arranged and co-produced the work in the EGREM studios in November of that same year, producing over 10 songs in January Roberto’s life changed with the start of the 21st century, not only 2005, as well as assuming the role of director of the world tour “Mi because he released his third album, “Elengo”, but also because his sueño: A bolero Songbook tour 2005”. Ibrahim Ferrer used to say “This “muchacho”, despite having a jazz background, gets me and dedicates this new album to all the people that welcomed him with respects my music, and - boy, can the kid play…!“ open arms. His new record is called “AKOKAN”, which means heart in Yoruba. “All the music that I compose is a part of me, and having After two exciting tours with this project, August 2005 was a time to choose has been really difficult…” of great pain for Roberto, with the loss of Ibrahim Ferrer. This be- came the driving force behind the desire to finish his own album With “Akokan” Roberto wants to bring the magic, strength and im- “Zamazu”, and he did so in 6 months. He invited in Alê Siqueira, one provisation of a live show to the studio. Accompanied by his band, of Brazil’s major music producers, creator of great projects such as the one that he has been playing with for the last 12 years, Roberto Tribalistas, Flor de Amor (Omara Portuondo), Infinito Particular (Ma- as the record’s producer has encouraged creativity and chemistry risa Monte), etc. He travelled to Bahia for the pre-production stage amongst the musicians. In “Akokan” we find a pure Roberto Fonse- at Carlinhos Brown’s studio, and added the finishing touches to all ca. There are also two very special collaborations from artists that the collaborations on the album, including Brazilian percussion. At Roberto admires, artists that have very different styles: Mayra An- that moment, a date was fixed for the album’s recording – January drade, the Cape Verdean singer who wrote the words and sings on 2006 – as well as a place – La Habana. ‘Siete Potencias’, and Raul Midón, the American singer, wrote ‘Se-

And so, in barely 5 days in January, Roberto recorded over 2 hours cond Chance’. On this track Roberto did the arrangements and Raul of music. A creative output reminiscent of the classic jazz sessions. played also guitar. In comparison to “Zamazu”, on this new album Several musicians were included in the line-up for this fabulous al- the piano is the true protagonist with some incredible piano solos bum and several collaborations closed the 3-year creative cycle. and a different way of playing, one enriched by many experiences and the desire for us to feel his passion for life and music as the Carlinhos Brown, Cachaíto López, Omara Portuondo, Vicente Amigo, driving force of each piece. Toninho Ferragutti, and friends such as Javier Zalba, Omar Gonzá- lez, Ramsés Rodríguez and a further twenty or so musicians were in- volved. All were witnesses to a Roberto Fonseca seeking to connect the most sensitive touch on the piano to the melody and forces of rhythms that amalgamate the principal musical cultures of America, Brazil and Cuba with those of the African continent. Compositions of a beauty that touches the sublime, with lyrics of imagination that inform the aesthetics of the album, a place where virtuosity submits to emotion.

In 2006 he produced the Japanese singer Asa Feeston’s album and collaborated as a musician on other albums, such as Timbalada’s la- test. Together with Nick Gold from the World Circuit record label, he put the last touches to co-producing what would have been Ibrahim PRESS REVIEWS: Ferrer next album, one that he recorded just before passing away. It was released in 2007 under the name of “Mi Sueño”. This album was nominated at the Latin Grammy Awards 07 for Best Traditional “A fabulously gifted pianist, composer and bandleader... a gift for Tropical Album. melody that outshines more celebrated peers...one of a new breed who can transcend musical boundaries through sheer quality.” In the month of July, during the summer festivals in Europe, Roberto The Guardian shared the stage with Bebo and Chucho Valdés at Jazz in Marciac and composed the song “Latin in Marciac” which the Festival used for the opening and closing of its main concerts. “An elegant line and an unhurried feel for time and space. Fonse- ca is a star.” February 2007 saw the launch of his album “Zamazu” which has The Independent On Sunday received great reviews worldwide. He has toured and presented Za- mazu in some of the most prestigious festivals worldwide, such as

Montreal Jazz (Canada) and Umbria Jazz (Italy) amongst others, “Sensuous, fresh, modern – Roberto Fonseca brings the piano and the public was left spellbound by his incredible talent. “Zama- dazzlingly to life.” zu” has been a tremendous success and has shown that Roberto is The Daily Telegraph a composer who has a unique style and an unmistakeable way of playing. Columbia Pictures chose the track “Llego Cachaito” from the “Zamazu” album for the Will Smith film “Hancock”. “Mesmerising. A joy.” Straight No Chaser 2008 has been a year full of work and experiences that have inspi- red Roberto’s new compositions. Each situation, person and culture from the countries that he has visited have been a source of ins- “A heroic dose of charisma.” piration. Roberto is very thankful for what he has received and he Time Out

español français

Nació en 1975 en el seno de una familia de músicos. A la edad de 15 Né en 1975 au sein d’une famille de musiciens, Roberto Fonseca a años, Roberto Fonseca fue una revelación en el Festival Internacional été, à l’âge de 15 ans, la révélation du festival international « Jazz “Jazz Plaza” en La Habana. Después de diplomarse en composición Plaza » de la Havane. Après avoir obtenu un diplôme de compositi- musical en el Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA), grabó su primer álbum on musicale à l’Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA – Institut supérieur que recibió el premio del “Mejor Álbum Jazz” en el Festival Cubadisco d’art), il a enregistré son premier album qui a reçu le prix du « en 1999. A principios del siglo XXI, la vida de Roberto da un giro al Meilleur Album Jazz » au Festival Cubadisco de 1999. Au début du convertirse en sucesor de Rubén González en la Orquesta de Ibrahim 21ème siècle, la vie de Roberto a connu un changement lorsqu’il a Ferrer. Después de participar en más de 400 conciertos con Ferrer été choisi pour succéder à Rubén González dans l’Orquesta (Orchest- fungió también como arreglista y coproductor del último álbum del re) d’Ibrahim Ferrer. Après plus de 400 concerts avec Ferrer, il s’est cantante, “Mi Sueño” que fuera nominado para el Grammy en 2007. également chargé de l’arrangement et la co-production du dernier Considerado como el “más importante y prometedor talento en la album du chanteur, « Mi sueño », qui a été nommé aux Grammy música cubana”, Roberto ha actuado igualmente al lado de artistas Awards en 2007. Considéré comme « le talent le plus prometteur tales como Omara Portuondo, Bebo y Chucho Valdéz, Herbie Han- et le plus important de la musique cubaine », Roberto a également cock, Michael Brecker y Wayne Shorter. accompagné des artistes tels qu’Omara Portuondo, Bebo et Chucho Valdéz, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker et Wayne Shorter. Con la aparición de “Zamazu” (2007) Roberto Fonseca se integra a las escenas internacionales y es reconocido actualmente como uno La sortie de « Zamazu » (2007) a permis à Roberto Fonseca d’accéder de los músicos más talentosos y carismáticos de los últimos años. aux scènes internationales et il est aujourd’hui reconnu comme étant Cualquiera que haya tenido la ocasión de asistir a sus conciertos l’un des musiciens les plus talentueux et charismatiques de ces der- con Ibrahim Ferrer ha podido presenciar a la manera única en la nières années. Tous ceux qui ont eu la chance d’assister à l’un de ses que Roberto toca el piano, combinando la precisión del ritmo con la concerts avec Ibrahim Ferrer ont été impressionnés par la manière emoción intensa. “Zamazu” lo confirma ampliamente, manteniendo singulière qu’a Roberto de jouer du piano alliant rythme précis et la elogiosa opinión de la prensa como un talento único. The Guardian émotion intense. « Zamazu » en a apporté la confirmation et la pres- lo ha llamado “pianista, compositor y director musical fabulosamen- se a continué de louer un talent unique. Le journal britannique The te dotado”, “alguien de una nueva estirpe que puede trascender las Guardian a dit de Roberto qu’il était « un pianiste, compositeur et fronteras musicales a través de una calidad pura.” The Independent chef d’orchestre fabuleusement doué » « un (musicien) d’un nouveau On Sunday aclamó su “elegante línea y el reposado sentimiento del genre qui est capable de transcender les limites de la musique grâce tiempo y del espacio. Fonseca es una estrella.” à son excellence ». Le journal britannique The Independent On Sun- day a salué chez Roberto « son élégance et l’impression de paix se Roberto ha grabado su Nuevo álbum “Akokan” (término Yoruba para dégageant dans le temps et l’espace. Roberto Fonseca est une star. » decir “corazón”) en los estudios Egrem de La Habana, Cuba. Acom- pañado por los músicos que han trabajado con él durante más de Roberto a enregistré son nouvel album intitulé « Akokan » (qui sig- 12 años, expresa la fuerza y la magia de una actuación en vivo, nifie « cœur » en dialecte yoruba) au Studio Egrem de La Havane à transformándola en un álbum de estudio. Llevándonos por un viaje Cuba. Accompagné par les musiciens qui travaillent avec lui depuis musical a través de diferentes países y culturas, ha invitado a dos plus de 12 ans, il a su extraire la force et la magie d’une interprétati- músicos muy especiales que siempre ha admirado: Mayra Andrade, on en direct pour la transformer en un album studio. Nous emmenant cantante caboverdiana autora de la letra y cantante de “Siete Po- avec lui dans un voyage musical à travers des cultures et pays diffé- tencias” y Raul Midón, cantante estadounidense y guitarrista que rents, il a invité deux musiciens très spéciaux qu’il admire de longue escribió “Everyone Deserves A Second Chance”; para esta pista Ro- date : Mayra Andrade, chanteuse du Cap Vert qui a interprété et écrit berto compuso los arreglos que Raul cantó e interpretó a la guitarra. les paroles de « Siete Potencias », et Raul Midón, chanteur et gui- Aunque el piano es el verdadero protagonista de este álbum. Roberto tariste américain qui est l’auteur de « Everyone Deserves A Second Fonseca ha indagado profundamente en su instrumento entregándo- Chance » - pour ce morceau, Roberto a composé les arrangements et nos un estilo diferente de interpretación, enriquecido a través de to- Raul a chanté et joué de la guitare. Le piano reste toutefois le vérita- das las experiencias de su vida. “Akokan” presenta los sentimientos ble protagoniste de cet album. Roberto Fonseca est allé chercher au más profundos de Roberto alcanzados en algunos solos increíbles y plus profond de son instrument, nous permettant ainsi d’apprécier en una atmósfera pura. un style différent d’interprétation, une interprétation enrichie par toutes les expériences de sa vie. « Akokan » exprime les sentiments les plus profonds de Roberto capturés dans des solos incroyables et une atmosphère pure.

deutsch

Im Alter von 15 Jahren war Roberto Fonseca bereits die Sensation beim internationalen “Jazz Plaza”-Festival in Havanna (Kuba). Nach seinem Abschluss des Kompositionsstudiums am Institutu Superior de Arte (ISA) nahm der 1975 geborene Pianist dann sein erstes Al- bum auf, das auf dem Cubadisco Festival von 1999 auch prompt als „Bestes Jazzalbum“ ausgezeichnet wurde. Mit dem Millennium mach- MAYRA ANDRADE te Roberto einen weiteren großen Schritt: Er wurde Rubén Gonzá- vocals lez’ Vertreter und Nachfolger im Orchester von Ibrahim Ferrer. Nach mehr als 400 Konzerten mit Ferrer arbeitete Roberto Fonseca – das

„vielversprechendste und wichtigste Talent der kubanischen Musik“— RAUL MIDÓN auch als Arrangeur und Ko-Produzent für Ferrers letztes Album, „Mi vocal & guitar Sueno“, das 2007 für einen Grammy nominiert war. Auch mit Omara Portuondo, Cachaito, Angá Diaz, Carlinhos Brown, Bebo und Chucho Valdéz, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter u.v.a. war Roberto Fonseca schon zu hören. also available: Mit seinem ersten ENJA-Album „Zamazu“ (2007) erreichte Rober- to Fonseca die internationalen Bühnen, wo er als einer der ein- drucksvollsten, charismatischsten Musiker der letzten Jahre gefei- ert wird. Alle, die ihn mit Ibrahim Ferrer im Konzert erlebt haben, Roberto Fonseca; Sheet Music: waren bereits von Robertos einzigartiger Klavierkunst beeindruckt – einer Kombination aus präziser Rhythmik und intensiver Emoti- on. Das Album „Zamazu“ hat diesen Eindruck gefestigt, die Presse jubelte noch lauter. „Es handelt sich schlicht um ein Meisterwerk“, schrieb die Jazzthetik, „eine Platte, die ohne Übertreibung als eine der schönsten bezeichnet werden kann, die die kubanische Musik bis heute hervorgebracht hat.“ Die Süddeutsche Zeitung erkannte „die Handschrift eines kommenden Weltstars“, das Diners Club Magazin witterte bereits „eine neue Legende der kubanischen Musik“, „ein Talent der Extraklasse“.

Sein neues Album „Akokan“ (Yoruba für „Herz“) entstand im legen- dären Egrem-Studio in Havanna (Kuba). Begleitet von jenen Musi- kern, die seit mehr als 12 Jahren mit ihm arbeiten, gelingt es Rober- to Fonseca hier, die Kraft und Magie einer Live-Performance in ein Studioalbum zu packen. Zu seiner Albumreise durch verschiedene ENJ-9499; Länder und Kulturen hat er auch zwei ganz besondere Musiker ein- Roberto Fonseca geladen, die er seit langem bewundert: Mayra Andrade, die kapver- „ZAMAZU“: dische Sängerin, die auf „Siete Potencias“ den kreolischen Text sang und schrieb, und den blinden Amerikaner Raul Midón, der „Everyone Deserves A Second Chance“ geschrieben hat – Roberto hat es ar- rangiert, Raul singt und spielt Gitarre. Doch der eigentliche Haupt- darsteller auf dem Album ist das Klavier: Roberto Fonseca ist tief in sein Instrument getaucht und erfreut uns mit seiner besonderen, von Lebenserfahrungen gesättigten Spielweise. „Akokan“ eröffnet uns einen Blick ins Innere seines Herzens – eingefangen in einigen unglaublichen Soli und einer prickelnden Atmosphäre.

TOURDATES:

20.05. F – Paris, Comedy Club 21.05. UK – London, ICA 23.05. F – Coutances, Jazz Sous Les Pommiers 03.07. D – Ludwigsburg, Schlossfestspiele 04.07. F – Oloron Ste-Marie, Jazz à Oloron 07.07. B – Mons, Festival 08.07. DK – Copenhagen, Jazz Festival 12.07. UK – Harrogate, International Festival 29.07. D – Kassel, Kulturzelt 30.07. D – Schloss Vollrads, Rheingau-Festival, Seebühne 02.08. D – Karlsruhe, Zeltival 13.08. F – Marciac, Festival 16.08. F – Chedigny, Blues in Chedigny 23.10. A – Wien, Konzerthaus 24.10. H – Budapest, Palace of Arts 25.10. D – München, Prinzregententheater 26.10. CH – Basel, Stadtcasino 27.10. D – Darmstadt, Centralstation 30.10. SF – Tampere, Old Customs Hall 01.11. D – Berlin, Kesselhaus 02.11. D – Hamburg, Fabrik 05.11. CH – Genève, Bâtiment des Forces Motrices 06.11. F – Conflans St. Honorine, Bâtiment des Forces Motrices 07.11. B – Turnhout, De Warande 08.11. D – Leverkusen, Fabrik 10.11. D – Bremen, Glocke 20.11. F – Saintes, Teatre Gallica 21.11. F – Conilhac, Jazz en Terre d’Aude

More to be confirmed. NEW ALBUM ROBERTO FONSECA “AKOKAN” ENJ-9534

th RELEASE DATE: MAY 29 2009

“A new legend in Cuban music” – Diners Club Magazine

ROBERTO FONSECA piano, voice JAVIER ZALBA flute, clarinet, baritone sax OMAR GONZÁLEZ bass RAMSÉS RODRIGUEZ drums JOEL HIERREZUELO percussion

Guests: MAYRA ANDRADE vocal RAUL MIDÓN vocal & guitar

Produced by Roberto Fonseca, co-producer Matthias Winckelmann

“Akokan” was recorded at the end of 2008 in the Egrem Studio in Havana, Cuba. Roberto was accompanied by the musicians that have worked with him for more than 12 years. The repertoire for this new work is a selection of his own compositions, inspired by all the expe- riences, situations and people that have influenced Roberto’s life.

On “Akokan” Roberto has taken the strength and magic of a live performance and trans- formed it into a studio album. He has delved deep into his piano for this record letting us enjoy a different style of playing. “Akokan” shows us Roberto’s true heart reflected in some incredible solos and a pure atmosphere.

For this occasion, Roberto invited two very special musicians that he has long admired: Mayra Andrade, the Cape Verdean singer who sung and wrote the lyrics to “Siete Potencias”, and Raúl Midón, the American guitarist who wrote “Everyone Deserves a Second Chance”.

ENJA RECORDS M. Winckelmann GmbH Worldwide booking and touring: Frundsbergstr. 15 Montuno Producciones

80634 München C / Rosellon 248 50 - 2a

GERMANY 08008 Barcelona

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