YILIAN CAÑIZARES (Cuba)

Cuban singer, violinist and composer Yilian Cañizares cites classical music, Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation as the three aspects that make up her musical palette. The multi-talented artist sings in Spanish, Yoruba and French, often playing the violin at the same time. These many different influences bring an element of explosive energy to her music, fueled by the sensibilities of a passionate creator.

While studying the violin, the musician who is now residing in Switzerland developed an interest in the world of jazz and went on to form the Cuban-influenced quartet of Ochumare. In 2008 he won first prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival and in 2011 collaborated with Gilles Peterson`s Havana Cultura. As a testament to her talent, her two solo albums “Ochumare” (2013) and “Invocación” (2015) have both received numerous praise from critics. Not falling prey to stereotypes, the Afro-Cuban and jazz influences invite the listener to a world of eclectic soundscaping, where the traditional meets the new and emotional expressions pair up with colourful rhythms. The noticeable talent of Yilian Cañizares pays homage to the traditions of her ancestors, making her and her interesting musical flavours a worthy ambassador to the stages of the world. A good example of that is her collaboration with the pianist Omar Sosa.

Yilian Cañizares Band brings warm southern sounds to the Christmas Jazz concert.