ARCHIVE/Marbella 2022

Chucho Valdés

Date: 5 JulVenue: Marbella

Chucho Valdés played Starlite Occident Marbella on July 5, 2022 to celebrate his 80th birthday and a career of more than six decades. He was joined by Pablo Milanés, Pancho Céspedes, Cimafunk, Javier Ojeda and Efecto Mariposa.

"La Creación" and Valdés at the piano

The Cuban pianist presented "La Creación", the most ambitious work of his career: a suite in three movements inspired by the stories of Afro-Cuban religion, with chants in Yoruba and Spanish, blending jazz, African music, Caribbean rhythms and blues. The concert began with Valdés at the piano alongside his regular quartet, with "Rumbón", "Lorena's Tango", dedicated to his wife, and "Armando's Rhumba".

Three Cubans on the same stage

The guests joined in one by one. Efecto Mariposa performed "Por quererte" and "No me crees", followed by Javier Ojeda of Danza Invisible, a regular at the festival as a spectator. Pancho Céspedes sang "Perla Marina" with piano and voice, then "Vida loca". Pablo Milanés performed "Distancias" and "Para qué", and the three Cubans, Valdés, Milanés and Céspedes, shared "La Felicidad", which the audience met with long applause.

Cimafunk and a finale with every guest

The younger generation was represented by Cimafunk, who sang "Salvaje" with his mentor at the piano. The finale brought all the artists together for "Bacalao con Pan". Valdés summed up the night in a few words: they were "super happy" to be playing in "an incomparable, wonderful and very special place". The mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula, and Agustín Bravo were among those attending.

Chucho Valdés turned 80 surrounded by friends and chose Starlite Occident Marbella to celebrate it at the piano, with Pablo Milanés and Pancho Céspedes beside him.

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