Nachito Herrera and Kelly Rossum
Stunning Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera and visionary trumpet player Kelly Rossum got together for a last-minute concert in January, and had such a good time we asked them to do it again!
“Put these two MacPhail instructors on the same stage and we likely will see our fire insurance canceled. A rare opportunity to enjoy this duo.”
- Andrea Canter, Jazz Police
Nachito Herrera’s pianistic prowess was recognized early on, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Havana Symphony Orchestra at age 12. Combining Western Classical music with traditional Cuban rhythms, Herrera has been at the forefront of an exciting renaissance in Cuban music. While in his twenties, Herrera took the job of Musical Director at the famous “Tropicana” nightclub in Cuba, playing every night and deepening his repertoire. He spent the late 1990s touring with Cubanissmo, serving as lead pianist, arranger, and musical director and touring the world.
Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2001, Hererra has been an enervating presence in the music community, and a fixture here at the Dakota. His most recent recordings, Live at the Dakota, Vol 1 and 2, are available here.
Kelly Rossum has turned the Minnesota jazz scene on its ear in the few short years he has been here. His four recordings as a leader have been included on several critics’ lists, and his latest release, Family, was named “Best Local Jazz Album of 2008″ by Mpls/St Paul Magazine. Now Kelly is gaining a regional reputation as a creative force in the definition of modern jazz. It is difficult to describe his style as anything but unique; combining the traditions of swing, bop and free jazz with the innovations of electronica, ambient and trance music.
“Hotter than the burning tip of a contraband Cuban cigar. Stronger than a straight shot of Havana rum. As exciting as a World Series game, with ‘El Duque’ on the mound. Explosive. Crowd pleasing. Rhythmically intense. Romantic. Dynamic. Jaw-droppingly good.”
- Tom Surowicz, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
