Cry Me A River is the highly anticipated release by celebrated Cuban-Canadian composer and piano virtuoso Hilario Durán. On this recording, Durán leads his remarkable 19-piece ensemble alongside guest talents Paquito D’Rivera, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, and OKAN. This big band album, his first in 17 years, present Durán’s Cuban roots and inventive arrangements, intertwining tradition with uninhibited improvisation across nine enchanting compositions.
Available in various formats, including CD, streaming, and digital platforms like DOLBY ATMOS + Hi Res Digital, the album highlights a fusion of genres as seen in “Claudia,” featuring D’Rivera’s alto sax, and the jazz-meets-classical allure of “Fantasia Impromptu,” adorned by D’Rivera’s clarinet.
“I have waited almost twenty years to record another big band album,” Durán says. “But there was plenty of preparation for this moment.” He refers to the four radio broadcasts of his compositions and arrangements with the great WDR Big Band in Koln, Germany. “It was great to showcase my music and to ‘workshop’ some new arrangements… aspects of the craft I learned working with the Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna in Habana which I inherited from Chucho Valdés… So much to be grateful for the gift of music… it seemed that the time is right for this new album, Cry Me A River.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
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