The Voice and Spirit of Chilean Jazz

The Jazz Scene with Ken Grady
I have been waiting for this. Chilean Jazz Vocalist, producer and arranger Claudia Acuna is coming to the2015 Panama Jazz Festival(PJF) in January.She is regarded as the most successful singer of Chilean Jazz, of  all time.  And, in my opinion, she is all that. She loves the freedom Jazz allows for improvisation and the melding of genres. Her creations are songs of love, work, peace, and the traditions of her native Chile.

She is a world class performer who supports child development programs around the globe, while disseminating the folklore of Chile through the world of Jazz. In addition, Ms. Acuna served as co-curator of the Chilean Music Festival  in 2009.

Born in Santiago, Chile in 1971, Claudia Acuna cannot remember a time when she didn’t think about singing. She was a natural at a variety of music styles as a child. Her attention turned to Jazz at age 15 after listening to greats like Frank Sinatra, Erroll Garner and,Sara Vaughn. In the 1990’s Claudia quickly gained prominence while performing in local clubs in her native Chile, and singing on the radio with visiting musicians. To fulfill a dream she moved to New York in 1995, began appearing at jam sessions around town, and was well received.

I got hip to Claudia Acuna in 2004 as a Jazz dj. I was drawn to her music by listening to other Latin singer-songwriters like  BrazilianFlora Purim and, PeruvianSusana Bacca, among others. Claudia’s acclaimed debut album, Wind From the South, was released in 2000, followed by Rhythm of Life in 2002, both on Verve. In 2004 she recorded Lunaon the Max Jazz label which I found in the stacks while doing The Evening Jazz program. I have been a fan since then. This will be my first time seeing her live.

In 2008 Claudia teamed up with Afro Cuban Jazz pianist & band leader Arturo O’Farrill, collaborating on theIn These ShoesCD on the Zoho label. Arturo, the son of legendary big band leader, Chico O’Farrill, had been on my play list for some years.

Claudia signed with theMarsalis Music label in 2009and worked with Branford Marsalis on the release, En Este Momoento.

In a recent interview with Tomas Pena on jazz.com, Claudia was asked what comes to mind when she looks back on her career. She remarked that, “…it makes me say, I’ve done a lot and I’ve tried to do it with dignity, integrity, passion and love for the music…I have met amazing people, amazing musicians, and I have learned a lot and seen the best and worst of humanity”.

Joining Claudia Acuna at the 2015 PJF are:Danilo Perez, Benny Golson, John Patitucci, , Brian Blade, Miguel Zenon, Children of the Light, Pedrito Martinez, Riccardo del Fra, Mapu Jazz, Omar Alfanno, Phil Ranelin, and Uwe Kropinski & Michael Huepel.

Don’t miss Claudia Acuna, live! The PJF runs  from January 12 to 17, 2015 at the City of Knowledge in Panama City, Panama.

For the complete schedule of performances, workshops, and jam sessions  at the 2015 PJF go to: panamajazzfestival.com