June; Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 at 7:30pm, 9pm, 10:30pm

“Young Harold López-Nussa is among the greatest pianists of Cuba “ — Havana Times

Harold López-Nussa Duo

• Harold López-Nussa – piano
• Ruy Adrián López-Nussa – drums

As scion of an illustrious musical family, the 29-year-old Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa is one of the brightest lights on Havana’s thriving jazz scene. Son of drummer Ruy Lopez-Nussa and nephew of pianist Ernan Lopez-Nussa, Harold gained international attention when he won top honors at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Piano Competition in 2005 (a triumph that earned him a featured festival spot the following year). While touring widely with the Buena Vista Social Club vocalist Omara Portuondo he launched his solo career as the leader of a superlative trio with his younger brother, the phenomenal drummer Ruy Adrián López-Nussa, who joins the pianist for this series of explosive duo shows. Recording for World Village, he made his US debut as a bandleader on the acclaimed 2009 album Herencia and followed up with 2011’s El País de las Maravillas featuring the trio and SFJAZZ Collective saxophonist David Sanchez (whom he accompanied on the all-star Cuban/American project Ninety Miles with Stefon Harris and Christian Scott). The albums reveal a composer who has fully integrated his classical training and love of the jazz continuum with his Cuban roots, and a player of astonishing gifts, combining dazzling technique and an abundance of soul.