A new DVD telling the story of Jesus “Chucho” Valdes and the Cuban group Irakere is set for release on July 12 through Music Video Distributors.
Chucho Valdes featuring Irakere – Latin Jazz Founderschronicles Valdes founding Irakere (named for a Yoruba word meaning “forest” or “jungle”) in 1973 and their subsequent rise to fame, culminating in a Grammy win in 1979. Over its history, the band produced several notable headliners, including trumpeter Arturo Sandoval (pictured) and saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera.
The DVD features live performances and interviews with Valdes, Carlos Emilio Morales, Jose Luis Cortes, Jorge Reyes and Basilio Marques.