Peter Conway Management presents

Omar Puente Sextet

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Last Show: Friday 21 st January 2022

PizzaExpress Live (Holborn)

Omar Puente's sextet is a unique combination of sonorities and styles for all the tastes and ages, after the accumulation of many years of experience playing with musicians like Tito Puentes, Eddy Palmieri, Courtney Pine, Rubén González and Winton Marsalis, all of them contained in a wide range of colours in the interpretation of the music. In this concert Maestro Puente will include pieces from his latest album 'Best Foot Forward'. This rich mix produces a show of complex and infectious rhythms and original melodies, performed by a multinational sextet, and unusual combination of violin, trombone and extended rhythm section. In performance, this produces an irresistible urge to join in and dance.

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"a complete classical virtuoso (and) a complete jazz master"

Courtney Pine

Internationally renowned for his masterful performances in a variety of musical styles, world class violinist Omar Puente is nothing short of a true virtuoso. After establishing himself as an accomplished musician on his native Cuban soil, Omar moved to England in 1997 where he has since played in Europe, the Middle and Far East, the USA and Africa.

Having maintained close links with traditional Cuban music, classical genres and jazz, his latest album ‘Best Foot Forward’, is rich with energy, colour, creative arrangements and originality.

Throughout his career Omar has supported and shared the stage with a whole host of other stars; Tito Puente, John Williams, Nigel Kennedy, Courtney Pine and Wynton Marsalis to name a few.

Omar’s many accolades include The Lukas Award for The Classical, Jazz or Folk Act of the Year 2018; a top 10 placement for Songline Magazine's Album of the Year; and a nomination for Best Jazz Soloist in the 21st International CubaDisco Fair 2017.

Omar performed two concerts in November 2019 under the title of ‘An Evening for Debbie Purdy’ to honour the memory of his campaigning wife who died in 2014. Both concerts featured his sextet together with special guests.

 ‘Omar Puente’s contribution to 20th and 21st century violin playing has now become legendary. His generous nature, his commitment to good music, his enjoyment of life and his respect for his colleagues are all characteristics which make him a true violin great’ Nigel Kennedy

'[This album] marks his graduation to a bandleader, arranger and composer to match the accomplished soloist' Jazzwise 
 
‘An impressive solo debut, ambitious in scope and featuring some great playing from a star studded line up.’ The Jazz Man
 
‘It's a fiery and exuberant set, touching on Africa, Cuba and England as it progresses.’  Songlines Magazine

Band Lineup

Omar Puente (violin)

Al Macsween (piano)

Jimmy Martinez (bass)

Michel Castellanos (drums)

Flavio Correa (bata drums)

Oscar Martinez (percussion)