Ernán López-Nussa is distinguished within the musical sphere as one of the most remarkable young pianists throughout the world. Thanks to a rigorous academic formation and a very intense professional experience, despite his youth, he has achieved the maturity, which is usual among consecrated people.
Ernán López-Nussa was born and grew up in old Havana where he studied classical piano at the prestigious Cuban institute of Arts, and developed his musical style in the 1980s when working with the band Afrocuba, which had become a Cuban school of music. There he came into contact with the talented generation of Cuban musicians that includes Oriente López, Omar and Oscarito Valdéz.
With this group, Ernán situated himself at the head of the Cuban music vanguard, a phase that peaked when he worked with the famous Cuban singer Silvio Rodríguez on two releases, “Causas y Azares” and “Oh Melancolía.
The second stage of his career began with the founding of the Cuarto Espacio. Led by Ernán, Cuarto Espacio brought together the talents of ex-members of the band Afrocuba to create a new jazz sound. Two years later, Ernán began his solo career, proving to be a master pianist and joining the ranks of such stars as Chucho Valdés and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.
Performances in England at Ronnie Scott’s, at the Mew Morning in Paris and tours in Chicago, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Rome and many other cites around the world, have made his art universal. His deep sensitiveness takes root in Cuban and Afrocuban musical traditions, European classics and contemporary music, with all of its forms and styles. This allows Ernán in an authentic manner, to combine rhythm and beauty, lyricism, fusion and purity, which is a real contribution to the jazz panorama in our days.
Ernán López-Nussa has created works that, because of its melodic richness, harmonic atmosphere, cadence, virtuosity and technique, charming themes, and intelligent use of expressive devices, becomes unforgettable. He already belongs to the Cuban and international repertoire.
Today Ernán, a seasoned and meticulous pianist, has invited Cuban musicians like Tata Guines, Changuito and Jorge Reyes to take part in one of the most sophisticated musical projects to come from Cuba via Brazil. The CD, “From Havana to Rio,” is a mature, elegant, refined and respectful combination of the musical roots of Cuba and Brazil, rich with jewels like “Baiao de Lacan” and “Isla.”
Discography:
Figuraciones (Magic Music, 1994)
Delirium (Bis Music, 2000)
From Havana to Rio (Velas, 2000)
Mano de Obra (Unicornio, 2004)
Invención Lekszycki (Colibrí, 2016)
21 August, 2016
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
