On Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, the Jazz Café in Detroit will host returning Grammy-nominated Latin percussionist Chembo Corniel, who will be promoting his new album, Afro Blue Monk.
A press release states, “This 2012 release features special invited guest 2012 NEA Jazz Master Award recipient Jimmy Owens on trumpet, the vocal stylings and lyrics of Ileana Santamaria and pianist and musical co-producer Elio Villafranca. Afro Blue Monkalso pays homage to two very important pioneers who helped shape the music of their respective genres:Thelonius Monk and Mongo Santamaria.”
“ For these 4 sets, Chembo brings a phenomenal ensemble featuring current masters of Afro Cuban: Ivan Renta: tenor & soprano sax, Elio Villafranca: piano, Carlo De Rosa: acoustic bass, and Vince Cherico: drums.”
“ Born in Manhattan and Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Corniel learned his percussive craft from master drummers Tommy López, Patato, Little Ray Romero, and Cachete Maldonado. After a long stint in the 1980s with Bobby Rodriguez & La Compañia, Corniel performed with virtually everyone, including Tito Puente, Machito, Hilton Ruiz, Willie Colón, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Chucho Valdes, Grady Tate, Buddy Montgomery, Jane Bunnett, Angela Bofill, Dave Valentin and Larry Harlow.”
