Antonio Lizana, Alexis Cuadrado, Manuel Valera & Zack O’Farrill / Flamenco Jazz

Antonio Lizana, Alexis Cuadrado, Manuel Valera & Zack O’Farrill / Flamenco Jazz

Presented by Terraza 7

Date: Friday, March 1st, 2024

Time: 9:00 PM

Admission: $20: Mezzanine Cover Charge

Featuring:

• Antonio Lizana / Cantaor & Sax
• Zack O'Farrill / Drums
• Alexis Cuadrado / Bass.
• Manuel Valera / Piano

About this ensamble:

Combining the fiery rhythms of flamenco with the improvisational flair of jazz, this dynamic quartet is redefining musical boundaries. Led by Antonio Lizana, a trailblazer in the Flamenco Jazz scene, their performances take audiences on a mesmerizing journey from traditional roots to contemporary soundscapes.

Joining Lizana is Manuel Valera, a Grammy-nominated pianist

infusing Cuban rhythms into their vibrant mix. Zack O'Farrill, with his

versatile percussion skills, adds rhythmic complexity, while Alexis Cuadrado's

multifaceted bass compositions deepen their sonic tapestry.

Together, they create an electrifying fusion, captivating

listeners with their innovative spirit and genre-defying sound. With

performances spanning the globe, this ensemble continues to push the boundaries

of flamenco jazz, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and

unique musical vision.

About Antonio Lizana:

From Andalusia to New York and beyond, Antonio Lizana is one of the most celebrated representatives of new Flamenco Jazz to come out of southern Spain. As a jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer, Lizana's live shows are described as a "breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz", spun together with his soulful lyrics carrying messages of optimism and sincerity to his audiences.

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Antonio Lizana has performed in more than 30 countries with his band, playing in festivals such as Womex, Etnosur, SXSW Austin, the London, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco Flamenco Festivals, Barcelona Voll Damn, Shanghai Jazz Fest (China), Casablanca Jazz Fest (Morocco) and Flamenco Biennale (Holland).

Born and raised in San Fernando, a province of Cádiz and one of the cradles of flamenco singing, his collaborations with countless local artists have informed his technique and style, and allowed him to go on to share the authentic flamenco spirit with the world. He has been one of the only Spanish artists to record an American NPR Tiny Desk concert and has collaborated with artists such as Arturo O'Farrill and Alejandro Sanz on works that received Grammy awards.

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Other of his collaborations include Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, Chano Domínguez, Alfredo Rodríguez, Ari Hoenig, Jorge Drexler, India Martínez, Jorge Pardo, Shai Maestro, Chambao, José Mercé, Josemi Carmona, Carmen Linares and Pepe Habichuela.

About Manuel Valera:

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Manuel Valera, now based in New York City, is a Grammy-nominated artist, pianist, and composer. Since his arrival in NYC, Valera has earned significant recognition in the modern jazz arena. He's lent his exceptional talents as both a pianist and composer to a slew of notable artists including Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Brian Lynch, and many more.

Leading his band, "Manuel Valera and the New Cuban Express," Valera's work is profoundly influenced by Cuban artists of the 70s and 80s. His unique style seamlessly integrates elements of Jazz, R&B, fusion, and funk with Cuban music, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Irakere and Emiliano Salvador.

With "Expectativas" (MAVO 2013) marking his seventh recording as a leader, Valera's accolades include a Grammy nomination in 2013 for "New Cuban Express" (MAVO 2012) in the Best Latin Jazz Album category. His vast discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as "Forma Nueva" (MAVO 2004) and "Melancolia" (MAVO 2006).

Over his illustrious career, Valera has received numerous grants for composition, including from Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works and the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. His performances span the globe, with shows in over 30 countries at some of the world's premier venues and festivals.

About Zack O'farrill:

Zack O’Farrill, a dynamic multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-musical artist, challenges the barriers that divide us through his eclectic musical journey. Raised in a household steeped in music, with classical pianist Alison Deane and jazz legend Arturo O’Farrill as parents, Zack and his brother Adam were immersed in a rich tapestry of sounds. Their influences spanned from Afro-Cuban big band jazz to the avant-garde stylings of Carla Bley, and everything in between, shaping Zack's belief in music without boundaries.

A versatile performer, Zack has collaborated with artists across generations and genres. He's been a stalwart presence alongside his father and brother in various musical settings, notably with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Zack's rhythmic prowess was foundational in the Fred Ho-founded Eco-Music Big Band and the Libertè Big Band. He's shared stages with esteemed musicians like pianist Albert Marquès, saxophonists Livio Almeida and Roy Nathanson, and guitarist Jessica Ackerley.

Zack's musical journey is enriched by his studies with luminaries such as Dave Meade, John Riley, and his father, Arturo O’Farrill. Despite his reluctance to embrace academia, he holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from CUNY Macaulay Honors College and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Jazz Percussion from Manhattan School of Music. Zack's commitment to education extends to his role as director of the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats youth big band, providing free instruction to talented high school students.

As a composer, Zack's works have graced recordings by the Marquès Stinson O’Farrill Trio and the Eco-Music Big Band. His composition, "There’s a Statue of José Martí in Central Park," is a poignant highlight on the Grammy-winning album "Cuba: The Conversation Continues" by the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.

Currently leading his own quartet, Zack embarks on a journey to showcase his original compositions, with plans underway for his debut album as a bandleader. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or composing, Zack O’Farrill continues to break down barriers and inspire through the universal language of music.

About Alexis Cuadrado:

Barcelona-born, Brooklyn-based Alexis Cuadrado is a multifaceted artist, acclaimed composer, producer, bandleader, bassist, and educator. NPR music lauds his compositions, stating, "Listen to Cuadrado’s compositions and you’ll find every reason to take him seriously," while NY magazine highlights his intricate and sharply defined compositions.

Cuadrado's eclectic work traverses jazz, world, flamenco, and new music, delving into the intersection of Hispanic and American cultures while addressing social issues. His recent projects encompass a dynamic exploration of cross-disciplinary works, spanning poetry, film, radio-podcasts, dance, and design.

At the helm of his ensemble, the Alexis Cuadrado Group, he has crafted commissioned pieces, including live short film scores for pioneering works by female filmmakers such as Alice Guy-Blaché. Notable collaborations include Poètica (2014) with poets Rowan Ricardo Phillips and Melcion Mateu and A Lorca Soundscape (2011) featuring Claudia Acuña and Miguel Zenón, adapting the poetry of Federico García Lorca.

Cuadrado's extensive discography as a leader/composer comprises six albums, including Poetica (2016) and Noneto Ibérico (2011), garnering widespread acclaim. As a bassist, he has graced prestigious venues worldwide and collaborated with Grammy Award winners like Angélique Kidjo and Dianne Reeves.

Educationally, Cuadrado holds a Master's Degree in Jazz Performance and Composition from the Aaron Copland School of Music-Queens College in New York and serves as a faculty member at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He resides in Brooklyn with his wife and twin children, continuing to push artistic boundaries while inspiring students globally.