Questions whilst on the road for winner of eight Grammy Awards: five Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy and creditor of many doctorates, Dionisio Jesus "Chucho" Valdés Rodríguez is natural from Quivican, Havana Province, Cuba.
Born in 1941, Chucho is a pianist, composer, professor of music, musical arranger and director of his own groups began his musical training in his former years, at home, under his father influence of his father "the great Bebo Valdés" and his mother, Pilar Rodriguez, teacher of piano and singer.
JK: It seems as though you were always surrounded by music, did you ever consider another career?
CV: I never considered another career. I only ever thought about being a musician.
JK: Your music is always evolving, what provides you with inspiration?
CV: Music itself provides inspiration and ideas about music, which in turn inspire me.
JK: Do you have a compositional routine? Could you please describe it.
CV: I work when the ideas come and I try not to compose mechanically.
JK: Who is your favourite artist and why?
CV: Herbie Hancock for his versatility in all styles.
JK: Of your own music, which is your favourite song and or album and why?
CV: My favourite theme is "Mambo Influenciado" and the album is Irakere's "Misa Negra" because they are two of the most inspired pieces I have composed.
JK: What excites you about the future?
CV: The emotion of continuing to work and make music.
Chucho is currently touring Australia and performs at Sydney Opera House on the 12th June and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival on 8 June.
