The tradition continues. Pianist, composer and leader of “the first family of Afro-Latin Jazz” (New York Times) Arturo O’Farrill continues a weekly Sunday night Birdland residency that started over 20 years ago. The Afro-Latin Octet features pared down, appropriately socially-distanced version of the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra performing a program of original compositions and arrangements of Afro-Latin Jazz standards contributed by the band members.
The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra is the resident large format ensemble of the nonprofit Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) founded by O'Farrill in 2007 and dedicated to preserving the music and heritage of big band Latin jazz, supporting its performance for new audiences and educating young people in the understanding and performance of this important cultural treasure.
