Hilario Durán Trio

Cuban born pianist Hilario Duran has made a huge mark on the Canadian music scene since re-locating to Toronto in 1998. Recently voted Latin Jazz Artist of the year this Juno award winner spent 9 years with the Arturo Sandoval band. He was a part of Jane Bunnett’s Juno award winning CD, Spirits of Havana.

Hilario’s extensive early experience included such prestigious opportunities as replacing famed Chucho Valdes in the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, at Chucho’s request. He was also a part of the Cuban All Stars Orchestra and worked with the famous Havana EGREM recording studios both as a pianist and as an arranger, composer and musical director.

Hilario appeared in the film Una Noche en La Habana that featured Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Cited as one of the greatest virtuosos jazz pianists to emerge from Havana, Cuba, Duran is also a composer, bandleader and arranger and producer of the first order. Hilario is an invaluable member of the jazz faculty at Humber College and has appeared on stage with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Horacio “El Negro” Hernanadez, John Patitucci and Michael Brecker. He performed in 2002 with the great Paquito D’Rivera as well as violinist Regina Carter.

Hilario won a Juno in 2005 for his CD New Danzon that combines the traditional Danzon of Cuba with sophisticated Be-Bop. He also recently recorded Encuentro en La Habana that shows a relentless energy and creativity. Hilario is currently working on a new recording with the release date soon to be announced.

Hilario last appeared in Medicine Hat with the Roberto Occhipinti trio in 2006. Joining Hilario will be Roberto Occhipinti on bass and Mark Kelso on drums. This performance is in double bill with Andy Bey.

Listen

Tuesday, June 24
7:30 PM
Esplanade Theatre
Andy Bey/Hilario Duran - $30

www.hilarioduran.com