This week’s episode starts by talking about how resilient Cuban jazz musicians were able to forge a brand new style of music.  It was their way of making the best out of being told they weren’t allowed to play the music of “imperialist America”.  It evolved into Iraquere, and formed the basis of what people today call ‘salsa’.

The leader of Iraquere, Chucho Valdez, is still playing amazing piano—and you’ll hear two tracks from the latest cd where he collaborates with Arturo O’Farrill and other family members.

You’ll also hear Eliel Lazo and the Cuban Funk Machine, Okan (out of Toronto), Bobby Carcasses, Sexto Sentido, and the most unusual and creative jazz pianist you’ll ever hear—Jorge Luis Pacheco.