Havana (Vinyle LP) / Maite Hontelé & Ramón Valle

Description

Recorded in the musical heart of Havana, after a series of concerts at the legendary Jazz Plaza Festival, trumpeter Maite Hontelé and pianist Ramón Valle unveil their very first duo album – an ode to their musical friendship, the freedom of improvisation, and their shared passion for Cuban music. Havana sounds like an intimate concert: colorful, joyful, and rich in musical dialogue. A promise: to play with heart After five years of silence, Maite picked up her flugelhorn again two years ago for a unique concert with Ramón. From that encounter was born a warm and unforgettable performance. "When I started playing again, I promised myself I would only play from the heart," Maite confides. "Not to worry about the right notes, but to stay true to my inspiration." Ramón, too, made a promise to himself. Born in Cuba, classically trained but seduced by jazz, he forged his own path in Europe, developing a unique style, far from Latin clichés, to fully express his musical voice. "I want every note to be sung, for my fingers to follow my inspiration – and not the other way around." "Playing with Ramón always makes me happy," smiles Maite. "Whether it's a concert or a rehearsal, we play like two children: open, free, curious. Every rehearsal is like a mini-concert, and every concert is different. Ramón often calls it *levitando*." A word that evokes living in the present moment, playing with a spontaneous and open heart.