2007 – Plans

Los Primos and Nova Scotia Honour Jazz

This Year will mark another first for Los Primos, as we will be partnering with Nova Scotia Honour Jazz. A special Latin Combo has been selected to make a trip to Cuba to be part of the Amadeo Roldan Big Band pilot program.

Way back in 1998 when the first Los Primos from Cuba came to the Acadia Jazz Camp, Paul Barrett was the conductor. Since then Paul has conducted mixed Cuban/Canadian Big Bands in 2000 (Acadia), 2004 (Amadeo Roldan) and 2005 (JoJazz Festival). The Cubans call him Chico Loco. We wonder why?

This April, Paul and Jeff will take 15 students from Nova Scotia Honour Jazz to Cuba. They will be teamed up with 13 young Cuban musicians at the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory in Havana. After three days of rehearsal, the newly formed Big Band will hit the road on a trip to Cienfuegos to play the renowned Teatro Terry. Then back to Havana for a finale concert at the world famous Teatro Amadeo Roldan.

The Cubans are coming!
The 13 young music students from Havana will be coming to Nova Scotia this summer will be under the musical direction of Tony Rodriguez, the incredible piano player of three different Los Primos bands and HavanaFax. They will perform as and independant group playing Cuban Music. They will start their tour off with the Acadia University Jazz Camp and then continuing with a reunion of the Big Band for performances around the province including the Atlantic Jazz Festival.

We also hope to record this group during the last week of the tour. You will not believe how good this band will be. There is definitely something in the water down there because the trumpet players are beyond belief. You will want to make sure that you catch this international group when they are here in Nova Scotia. Keep an eye on this website for concert locations.