Roberto Fonseca
Roberto Fonseca Alain Cortés ( born March 29, 1975 in Havana ) is a Cuban pianist, composer and arranger.
Life and work
Fonseca was born in Havana in 1975 as one of three sons. His family was very musical, his father was a percussionist, and his mother a singer. This especially benefited musical ambitions of her son, who first began at the age of 4 years playing drums, but then switched to piano.
After graduating from his studies in composition at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA ) in Havana took Fonseca on his first album, which was awarded on the Cubadisco Festival 1999 for Best Jazz Album. He saw himself first as a pure jazz musicians, but changed by his contact with the Buena Vista Social Club; through this discovered Fonseca for the traditional Cuban music. He played in representation of the already sick Rubén González in the Buena Vista Social Club and replaced González after his death in the orchestra of Ibrahim Ferrer, with whom he appeared in more than 400 concerts around the world. Also Fonseca was as arranger and co-producer for Ferrers last album, Mi Sueño, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2007, works. Furthermore, he was heard with Omara Portuondo, Orlando " Cachaíto " López, Miguel " Anga " Diaz, Carlinhos Brown, Bebo and Chucho Valdés, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter and other musicians.
With its published by the label Enja album Zamazu Munich (2007 ) reached Roberto Fonseca international stages. His pianism impressed by a combination of precise rhythm and intense emotion. The album Zamazu has strengthened this impression. " It is simply a masterpiece ," wrote the Jazzthetik, " a record that can be described, without exaggeration one of the finest that has produced to date, the Cuban music. " Oliver High Keppel recognized in the Süddeutsche Zeitung " the handwriting of a coming superstars ".
His recent album in spring 2009 Akokan (Yoruba for " heart " ) was established in Egrem studio in Havana, where recordings in the 1950s, stars such as Nat King Cole. Accompanied by musicians who work with him for more than 12 years, succeeds Roberto Fonseca on Akokan to pack the power of a live performance in a studio album. The pianist has his instrument reclaimed new pages and boasts one filled with very personal life experiences play.
Roberto Fonseca was modeling on the side for the French fashion label agnes b. He is a supporter of Cuba widespread Santería religion.
Discography (selection)
- Roberto Fonseca: Tiene Que Ver (1999)
- Temperamento: En el Comienzo (1999)
- Roberto Fonseca: No Limit (2001)
- Roberto Fonseca: Elengo (2001)
- Roberto Fonseca: Zamazu (2007)
- Roberto Fonseca: Akokan (2009)
- Roberto Fonseca Live in Marciac (2010)
- Roberto Fonseca: Yo (2012 )