From the Archives #013: Chucho Valdés at the piano, November 21, 1998

While at school, our department was located next to the Department of Music which had regular recitals and events throughout the school year. One of the most memorable of these was a workshop with Chucho Valdés who was in town for a concert. At the time, I knew nothing about this legendary Cuban pianist, but was soon electrified by his dazzling hands, complex rhythms, and gently charismatic presence on the stage. That encounter opened up a whole new world of sound... definitely one of the musicians I would feature if I were in a position to host "This Is My Music" on CBC Radio today.