Arturo Sandoval (Havana, Cuba, 1949) taught himself to play the trumpet. He began classical training with this instrument when he was twelve years old, although he was soon attracted by jazz in general and Dizzy Gillespie’s style in particular. Along with saxophone player Paquito D’Rivera and pianist Chucho Valdés, he created Irakere, the most important jazz group in Cuba with which he conquered the American public. But Sandoval, searching for new musical possibilities, abandoned the group in 1981 to form his own band. With this band, he went all over the world playing his unique blend of Latin music and jazz, without ever giving up exercising as a classic trumpet player along with the most prestigious symphonies, or his teacher’s training in numerous universities and institutions.
Sandoval has become a protectorate of his idol, Dizzy Gillespie, with whom he has played in countless occasions, sharing the stage with Stan Getz, Billy Cobham, Herbie Hancock, along with other artists like Celine Dion, Tony Bennet, Paul Anka, Rod Steward and Frank Sinatra. He composed the soundtracks for For love or country, inspired by his own life, and Emmy-winner Los reyes del mambo and La familia Pérez.
His prodigious technique, innate jazz sense and super-human resistance work together to produce extroverted and aggressive solos in extremely high registers, all while staying in perfect control of his instrument, with clear articulation, even with rapid tempos. The fact is, Sandoval is just an exceptional pianist.

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