MADRID, Spain.- April 28 marks the anniversary of the birth of Mario Bauzá, Cuban saxophonist, composer, conductor and clarinetist whose legacy resonated in the vibrations of Afro-Cuban jazz. His musical life, marked by innovation and the fusion of cultures, positions him as a notable figure in the history of music.
Born in Havana, Mario Bauzá began his musical journey as a clarinetist in the city’s Philharmonic Orchestra. However, a trip to New York in 1927 changed the course of his career forever. There, he was captivated by the imposing big bands of the time, and three years later, he made the decision to settle in the United States, where his talent would flourish.
Installed in the heart of Harlem, Bauzá began his career in the orchestras of prominent musicians such as Cass Carr, Noble Sissle and Sam Wooding. But his collaboration with Antonio Machín’s quartet marked a milestone in his career. It was the beginning of a career that would fuse Afro-Cuban roots with American jazz.
In the 1940s, Bauzá joined the prestigious orchestra of Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, better known as Machito, who was also his brother-in-law. Together they formed the Afro-Cubans, a group that revolutionized the music scene with its unique blend of Cuban son montuno and the vibrant rhythm of swing jazz.
The Afro-Cubans’ innovative style attracted the attention of renowned jazz artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Flip Phillips and Cannonball Adderly, who collaborated with the band, taking their music to new heights.
In 1947, Bauzá’s iconic song “Tanga” was released on the album Bucabu, recorded by Machito and the Afro-Cubans, marking a milestone in music history. This song, along with hits like “Mambo Inn,” recorded in collaboration with Grace Sampson and Bobby Woodlen, solidified his position as one of the great innovators of Afro-Cuban jazz.
During his 35 years with Machito’s orchestra, Bauzá left his mark by writing around five hundred arrangements for the group. His recordings of “Sopa de pichón” and “Tingo-talango” became hits within the New York musical community, cementing his influence on the scene.
Mario Bauzá continued recording jazz albums until his death on July 11, 1993, at the age of 82.
Follow our channel WhatsApp. Receive information from CubaNet on your cell phone through Telegram.
2024-05-01 06:44:23
#Key #figure #birth #AfroCuban #jazz