The fine folks at the CubaNOLA Arts Collective are known for solidifying the centuries-old connections between New Orleans and Cuba. They regularly bring great Cuban musicians to New Orleans and Thursday night is no exception when Interactivo Esencial comes to the New Orleans Jazz Market.
The band scheduled to perform features founding members of Interactivo—a Cuban jazz collective that features a revolving cast of all-star Cuban musicians who explore a wide range of styles while ignoring musical boundaries. Interactivo concerts have been described as “the ultimate house-party jam session.” Telmary, the female Cuban rapper who blew away the Jazz Fest this past spring, is a member of the collective.
Jazz pianist Robertico Carcassés (pictured at top) leads Interactivo Esencial along with founding members Julito Padrón on trumpet and vocals and vocalist and dancer Francis del Río. The three musicians are arriving direct from Cuba and will be joined by Miami-based collaborators Néstor del Prado on bass and Reinier Guerra on drums. (Editor’s note: William Vivanco was added to the show after press time).
Here’s a little background information on the three essential personalities of Interactivo. Robertico Carcassés is the mastermind behind the larger collective. Starting with a jazz foundation, he creates unexpected musical combinations by mixing Cuban styles such as timba, rumba, son and Afro-Cuban soul with American genres including funk, R&B, and hip-hop.
Julito Padrón is one of the top Cuban jazz trumpeters of our time, honing his craft with Chucho Valdés, Irakere, the Afro-Cuban Allstars, and el Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro. He is also an accomplished vocalist with a passion for jazz and the music of his native country.
Francis del Río is a charismatic and expressive performer who uses dance and movement as a vehicle for his singing. Though his persona may evoke that of a stereotypical Latin singer, he improvises, singing beautiful ballads as well as raucous and raunchy refrains. He is adept at high-energy timba and stirring Afro-Cuban rumba and religious music.
The New Orleans Jazz Market is located at 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. Tickets are available here.
