Hilario Duran

Front Street Duets Hilario Duran

A very compelling collaboration of two internationally acclaimed Cuban jazz pianists and composers, Hilario Duran and David Virelles. This collection of piano duets features the virtuosic playing of two musicians in peak form.

The Toronto-based Duran is a towering figure in Cuban music. Over a career now spanning over 45 years, he has won three Juno Awards and earned a Grammy nomination (for 2006's From the Heart, by Hilario Durán and his Latin Big Band). His extensive discography includes work as a solo artist, and in duo, small group and big band settings, and he has also achieved distinction in the classical and chamber music worlds.

Now based in New York City after a stint in Toronto, David Virelles records as a solo artist for such labels as ECM and Pi Recordings. He has collaborated extensively with such noted musicians as Andrew Cyrille, Bill Frisell, Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, and Ravi Coltrane, and last year he won the prestigious Herb Alpert Awards in the Arts.

When ALMA head and album producer Peter Cardinali presented the concept to Hilario and David a couple of years ago, both instantly agreed. Duran explains that "this album is very special because I had the privilege to work with David. He is the most important Cuban piano player of this new generation, and now he has so much success in the New York City scene, playing with great jazz stars and doing his own projects."

30 years Hilario's junior, David Virelles had long admired Duran's music. "Growing up in Santiago de Cuba, I knew of him, and then I was introduced to a lot of his records that weren't available in Cuba through my Toronto friends Jane Bunnett and Roberto Occhipinti.

"As a bandleader, arranger, composer, and pianist, Hilario's sophistication as a musician is unparalleled and that is something I've tried to emulate. He has always been a reference point for me and for so many young Cuban musicians. When he asked me to do this I was like, 'this is perfect!'"