TWO of Cuba's greatest guitarists are to perform in Otley.
Eduardo Martin, the Grammy nominated and multiple life-time achievement award-winning Cuban guitarist and composer, joins forces with fellow award-winning, London based Cuban musician, Ahmed Dickinson - a guitarist described as a ‘true pioneer’ by Classic FM .
Launching an expansive tour of the UK and Ireland, Martin and Dickinson perform the music of their long-awaited album, The Bridge, a carefully curated compilation of Eduardo’s most alluring works for two guitars, where rock merges with son montunos; old Yoruba chants, feel-good rumbas and funk- boleros, with cinematic pieces sitting alongside Cuban tumbaos with slap bass.
Perfect sound bites exploring the many facets of the guitar tradition from across the Americas.
By incorporating the influences of jazz, flamenco, pop, Afro and traditional Cuban melodic and rhythmic intricacies, the music bridges the gap between generations and continents, past and present, uniting teacher and student.
Dickinson said:“It is a privilege to play with Eduardo. Playing his music gives me a sense of musical sincerity. It is exhilarating to go on stage and convey all these melodies and rhythms that sound fresh, current and honest.”
Eduardo Martin said:“The Bridge alludes precisely to the connections we have established musically, Ahmed and I. Also, the bridge that I establish throughout my compositions, between genres and musical styles that interest me. Finally, it is the connection with the audiences who enjoy our work.”
Having first met as student and teacher at the Superior Institute of Art in Havana, the venerable musician and composer Martin instantly recognised in Dickinson a young man who knew the musical path he wanted to travel.
The composer keenly followed Dickinson’s career over the years and a strong musical friendship developed. The pair first began to work together in 2014, when Dickinson invited Martin to London to perform a concert of his works at the Bolivar Hall.
Since that performance, their musical partnership has flourished, pausing only for the time of the pandemic. Both artists are hugely in demand as solo performers, so to see them perform together in this project is seen as something not to be missed.
This is a rare opportunity to catch guitar master, Eduardo Martin, on these shores. The collaboration with Ahmed Dickinson sharestheir rich culture and heritage, through the duo’s much celebrated artistry.
Martin said:“This will be the first time we have been able to travel together since the pandemic. Playing live again fills me with a very great emotion. We have waited a long time and the feeling of anticipation and excitement to perform together again has only increased.”
Ahmed Dickinson and Eduardo Martin bring their music to Yorkshire at the following venues:
April 8 Otley Courthouse.
April 22 The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire
May 15 Helmsley Arts Centre, York
For full tour dates and to listen/watch go to http://linktr.ee/Cubafilinrecords
Ahmed has established a successful career in the UK, whilst maintaining a performance profile and strong links with Cuba. He has built a reputation for his original compositional style and will be performing his latest works in a series of concerts later this year.
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