Watch this interview with virtuoso pianist Nachito Herrera and DM Collins, host of the DM Zone, in her continuing series Live From the Musical Instrument Museum.
Listen to Nachito Herrera play Chopin Etude in E Minor – in a blend of classical music and Cuban/Latin Jazz. He is an extraordinary musician.
About NACHITO HERRERA
Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera stunned Cuban audiences at the age of twelve in performing “Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 2” with the Havana Symphony Orchestra. In the late 1990’s, Nachito joined the famed Cuban Orquestra “Cubanismo” as its pianist, musical director and arranger. With its world wide appeal, “Cubanismo” performed at many of the worlds finest concert halls and prestigious festivals throughout Europe, Far East, Canada, Central and South America and the United States. “Explosive. Crowd Pleasing. Rhythmically intense. Romantic. Dynamic. Jaw-droppingly good” is how the Minneapolis Star-Tribune described Herrera’s musicianship and creativity, a talent which, according to jazz critic and Playboy Guide To Jazz author Neil Tesser, “…vaults him into the upper echelon – a trinity comprising Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and now Nachito Herrera”. Following a Winter 2009 tour as a member of The Afro Cuban All Stars, Nachito now embarks on extensive touring on his own or with the accompaniment of musicians of his choosing.
PRESS REVIEWS
“It was the pianist’s night on Wednesday at S.O.B.’s. Nachito Herrera, working with the group Cubanismo, was having a good time. On a cha-cha-cha he tore up the music, dropping a series of quotes — melodies from other cha-cha-chas — into his solo; the chorus picked up one and sang it. He worked over the dissonance of a whole tone scale, and flatted the fifth degree of a chord, ending a phrase on its bitterness. Left and right hands sprayed contrasting rhythms, and the intensity of the band soared in reaction.” – Peter Watrous, New York Times
“Hotter than the burning tip of a contraband Cuban cigar. Stronger than a straight shot of Havana rum. As exciting as a World Series game, with ‘El Duque’ on the mound. Explosive. Crowd pleasing. Rhythmically intense. Romantic. Dynamic. Jaw-droppingly good.” – Tom Surrowicz, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
“Herrera’s powerful leadership keeps the audience’s attention during the fury of pounding montunos and cascading lines.” – Live At The Dakota II Music – Jazz Times
“With unbridled freedom, he jams with potent montunos and high-energy timba to solos that can melt snow off the sidewalk.” – Jesse Varela, Latin Beat Magazine
Nachito Herrera was a child prodigy who studied in Havana with masters such as pianist and composer Rubén González from the Buena Vista Social Club. Herrera joined the high-energy group Cubanismo! in the 1990s. In 2002, Herrera landed like a flare in Minnesota, and is now an Upper Midwest treasure. After he plays “Claudia” by the greatest living Cuban pianist, Chucho Valdés, Nachito says, “We’re gonna send this copy to his house, he’s going to be so happy to hear a Cuban playing his music in Kalamazoo!” – NPR
Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera steps onto the national stage as a fully evolved artist, brimming with confidence, in total command of a vast array of traditional and contemporary Cuban idioms, and imparting a virtuosic touch on all aspects of this shimmering production. Herrera’s inventive arrangements and the expertise of his musicians produce a program that exudes an organic quality from start to finish. – All About Jazz
TheDMZone.tv
The DM Zone is a syndicated, online television channel that is hosted across multiple video platforms across the Internet. With combined views exceeding 420,000 unique views over the last 18 months, the DM Zone is a compelling platform for politicians, authors, actors, athletes, musicians and other creative professionals. Host Dianemarie (DM) Collins interviews highly creative, talented professionals for this Online TV program. A veteran performer in acting, singing, dancing and choreography, DM has appeared in productions from Broadway and off-Broadway to nightclubs and dinner theaters throughout the country. DM has also been featured in numerous print advertisements as well as many voiceovers for radio, an actress in television commercials, and an actor in several feature films.
Contact Information:
Douglas Collins – Strategic Marketing, Video & GoPublic Transactions
Doug@DMProductionsLLC.com
Dianemarie (DM) Collins – Video, Host of The DM Zone Online Television Channel and Public Relations
DM@DMProductionsLLC.com
