On February 10 we presented Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers. Lots of folks wrote us and loved the show:
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The Valdez evening was the most stunning I’ve experienced in a very long time. I admit not knowing enough about him, but now I can say this: previously I considered Bill Evans the greatest jazz pianist ever. No longer. Chucho surpasses everyone by far. It’s not just his virtuosity, but his total command of several jazz worlds. In the last decade I also discovered Alberto Sandoval and consider him the best trumpet player on the planet. These and several other unbelievable musicians are all from Cuba!
It’s time. let’s organize a UI-sponsored cultural visit toCuba, in some form that would satisfy the State and Justice Departments of the group’s legitimacy for travel to the island. I’m 81 years old. I MUST GET TO CUBA BEFORE I DIE.
Gene Spaziani
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one of the best shows yet!
loved every minute...
joan and don rinner
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Nice show, great music!
Dave Hesli
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One of the most memorable evenings for a long time. Phenomenal artistry; an interesting selection of rep; sound levels were great; and the music made a cold evening heat up quickly. We want more of this caliber in future events. It made our evening very special.
Hancher Attendees
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Dear Hancher staff... Thank you for bringing Mr. Valdez to Iowa City. I consider him one of the top two Latin Jazz pianists (the other being Eddie Palmieri, who you also have had, I believe.) I have wanted to see him for years, and was not disappointed. I think he had one of the best rhythm sections I have ever heard, and kept the show jumping the whole time. I especially enjoyed the vocalist who performed two numbers, the first being a classical heartbreak ballad, and the second surprising me with her lively jazz scat. The crowd was one of the most enthusiastic I’ve seen in Iowa City. which speaks to both the quality of the performers and the deep following and appreciation for Latin jazz in Iowa City, due in no small part to the excellent Alta Maize band and the U of I music department. The only criticism I would have is the squelching of the dancers in the aisle by ushers. I have been to several other shows in the Englert where dancing is not only permitted, but encouraged. Is the stopping at this concert due to Hancher usher policy? If so, I suggest it be reviewed. At any rate, thank you for presenting this excellent performance, and for the opportunity to express my views.
Sincerely, Don Rinner
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Awesome!
Karen and David Drake
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What a pleasure!!! They were great! I also heard people express with favor the fact that they did not have an intermission. I have mixed feelings about that, but on a weeknight, it’s good to get ‘done’ a little early (though I would’ve stayed to hear these artists). My son was also thrilled by the music. On a scale of 1 to 5, it was a 6.
Dave Tiffany and Mike Tiffany
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Can’t find my socks!
Sherwood
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This was one of the very best concerts I have ever attended! Chucho and his band just make you feel happy and energized. Their music is sophisticated and polished as well as heart-felt. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you for the great choice.
Laura
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The performance Friday was outstanding - both the soloing AND the ensemble stuff and individual jazz riffs. Even the dancing was spectacular. We are so pleased we could attend this event.
Amir and Lisa Arbisser
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Excellent performance from first-rate performers. However, the nearly unrelieved wall of loud sound was taxing.
Norman Williams/Olivia Atcherson
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The performance of Chucho Valdes and the Afro Cuban Messengers at the Englert last Friday night ranks as one of the most satisfying shows I have ever seen. The communication among the performers was wonderful. The music was just flawless. My 10 year old commented, It was cool how he would start a piece in a classical style and then shift it into jazz! Thank you Hancher series organizers for bringing this world class master to Iowa City!
Rob Cornell
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Chucho Valdes and the Afro-Cuban Messengers was perhaps the finest concert I’ve seen in years! For Hancher to bring this level of jazz musicianship to Iowa City is a credit to you and your staff. It is refreshing that Hancher seems to be responding to the musical tastes of their patrons in a more current way. This is evidenced by a schedule of performances which includes Joey DeFransesco, Chucho Valdes and Tower of Power. Please keep up the good work in coming years.
Ken & Linda Duncan
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The performance by Chucho Valdes and his group was outstanding. Chucho is an amazing pianist and his support musicians were the best. We enjoyed the performance very much as did the remainder of the audience as evidenced by multiple standing ovations.
David
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He was great. Everyone in the band was amazing. I wish he would play longer. Also it would be nice to hear him on some tropical island-80 degrees, pink sunset over white sandy beaches….
John White
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One of the best bands I have ever seen live in my long life, 67 years.
Paul
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The only problem with the evening is that it didn't last long enough.
The music was wonderful and I have never seen anyone play a piano so effortlessly. I turned to my friend and said, "let's go to Havana!"
Cathy