The nomination of albums Tribute to Irakere: Live in Marciac, byChucho Valdés and his band The Afro Cuban Messengers, alongside Los Van Van’s La Fantasía: Homenaje a Juan Formell, for the 2017 Grammy Awards represents renewed international support for two emblematic artists of contemporary Cuban music.
In the case of Los Van Van, it’s important to note that the album was produced by record label Egrem, at a time when Cuban record companies struggle to gain recognition given the dominance of the global record industry transnationals and obstacles caused by the longstanding U.S. blockade of the island.
In this context, U.S. critic Bill Tillford described this “(album) launch as a success, for both Egrem and Los Van Van” which should, first and foremost, contribute to “increasing their presence on the global market.” He also noted that the production “gives reason to be hopeful about the group’s musical future in the studio, with new compositions and arrangements.”
La Fantasiawill be competing in the Best Tropical Latin Album category against 35 Aniversario, by Colombian group Niche; La Sonora Santanera en su 60 Aniversario, by this Mexican band; ¿Dónde están?, by Puerto Rico’s José Lugo and his Guasábara Combo; and Conexión, by Colombian Fonseca.
Meanwhile, Chucho brought The Afro Cuban Messengers together again on August 15, 2015, during the Jazz Festival, held in the French city of Marciac;
where Cuban sound engineer Orestes Águila recorded the album composed of eight tracks by the pianist and composer for the Jazz Villagelabel, including tracks by Irakere, such as the opening track“Juana 1600.”
Percussionists Yaroldy Abreu, Rodney Barreto and Dreiser Durruty; Ariel Brínguez, on saxophone; double bassist Gastón Joya; as well as trumpet players Manuel Machado, Reinaldo Melián (Molote) and Carlos Sarduy, also feature on the album.
This production is nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album, alongside Entre Colegas, by double bassist Andy González; Madera Latino, by trumpeter Brian Lynch; Canto América, by trombonist Wayne Wallace, percussionist Michael Spiro and the Sinfonietta orchestra — all from the United States —; and finally 30, by Brazil’s Trío da Paz.
The results of the 2017 Grammy Awards will be announced on February 12, 2017, with the big winners on the night predicted to be either Beyoncé or Adele, according to press reports.
