Cubana Be, Cubana Bop, The Return of Bebop: The Music of Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo at

If ever there was a time in jazz and Latin music worthy of mention in every history book, it would be the moment in 1947 when composer and bandleader, Dizzy Gillespie, invited Cuban percussionist, Chano Pozo, to be part of his band. Pozo, a singer, dancer and composer, in addition to percussionist, played a major role in the founding of Latin jazz. He also played an influential role in Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet arrangements, co-writing some of Gillespie's Latin-flavored compositions including "Manteca" and "Tin Tin Deo.” Gillespie then became a major figure in the development of the bebop and modern jazz era, and is considered, to this day, as a virtuoso. His scat singing, his bent horn, pouched cheeks and his light-hearted personality were essential in popularizing bebop and jazz. ...

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If ever there was a time in jazz and Latin music worthy of mention in every history book, it would be the moment in 1947 when composer and bandleader, Dizzy Gillespie, invited Cuban percussionist, Chano Pozo, to be part of his band. Pozo, a singer, dancer and composer, in addition to percussionist, played a major role in the founding of Latin jazz. He also played an influential role in Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet arrangements, co-writing some of Gillespie's Latin-flavored compositions including "Manteca" and "Tin Tin Deo.” Gillespie then became a major figure in the development of the bebop and modern jazz era, and is considered, to this day, as a virtuoso. His scat singing, his bent horn, pouched cheeks and his light-hearted personality were essential in popularizing bebop and jazz.
For this concert, the Cal State University Los Angeles Afro Latin Ensemble under the music direction of Dr. Paul De Castro will evoke the nostalgia of that important era with masterful guest artists such as Colombian reed player, Justo Almario, trumpet player, Harry Kim, Cuban master percussionist, Calixto Oviedo, and two-time Grammy Award winning percussionist, Joey De Leon.

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