Rafael Zaldivar
Biography Rafael Zaldivar
Dr. Rafael Zaldivar
Cuban pianist, composer, artistic director, and educator: Dr. Rafael Zaldivar's exceptional contributions to jazz have been acclaimed by the JazzTime and Downbeat jazz magazines. Born in Camagüey, Cuba, Zaldivar obtained a B.A. from Montreal University and a M.A. plus a D.Mus. from McGill University. The pianist has worked with jazz icons such as Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, and Herbie Hancock and he has performed with jazz luminaries as Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Roy Hargrove, Terri Lyne Carrington, Francisco Mela, Nate Smith, Ari Hoenig, and Dan Weiss. The bandleader has participated in many international jazz festivals, including the Jazz Festival, Rochester (New York); the Jazz Festival of Queretaro (Mexico); and the Festival Jazz North Sea (Holland). The composer has received distinguished Canadian Awards as Opus, Grand Prix Musical Archambault, and CBC prizes. His sophomore album, Drawing, was nominated for ADISQ and JUNO Awards as "Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year" featuring saxophonist Greg Osby as special guest.
"The unique aesthetic of pianist Raphael Zaldivar synthesizes jazz with his classical training at Havana's Instituto Superior de Arte and the musical heritage of his native Cuba. Noted for his virtuosity and fluid phraseology, Zaldivar's compositions are characterized by structural and rhythmic complexity, balanced by a strong sense of harmony and emotional depth." -JazzTime Magazine, New York
"Cuban-born, Montreal- based pianist Rafael Zaldivar opened for John Scofield on Feb. 13 with his masterful amalgamation of cultures, rhythms and forms (check his recordings on the Effendi label)."
-Downbeat Magazine, New York
"Rafael Zaldivar, who has made quite a name for himself in the Montreal jazz scene since coming North a few years ago. It didn't take long for Canadians to notice his considerable talent and he has two recordings and numerous awards under his belt to prove that fact].....[Certainly young Mr. Zaldivar had done his homework. He's a talent to be watched for years to come." -Jazz Time Magazine, New York
"Under the title Oneness, we discover a pianist telling stories through each piece, evoking an tremendous musical language that can be noticed through a slight touch... all tropica]. " -Radio Canada, ICI Musique
