216 – Dafnis Prieto: Cuba’s expressive genius

Dafnis Prieto is a genius…and he has he credentials to prove it. After moving the United States from Cuba Dafnis has made quite a name for himself. He is also the recipient of awards, including the “2011 MacArthur Fellowship Award”, “Up & Coming Musician of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2006, a Grammy Award Nomination for ”Absolute Quintet” as Best Latin Jazz Album, and a Latin Grammy Nomination for “Best New Artist” in 2007. Also a gifted educator, Prieto has conducted numerous master classes, clinics, and workshops throughout the world. Dafnis was a faculty member of Jazz studies at NYU from 2005 to 2014, and in 2015 became a faculty member of Frost School of Music at UM (University of Miami).

“You can change the world with your talents. It just takes courage and learning how to use them.” (Tweet this)

Dafnis Prieto talks about:

• Growing up and playing music in Cuba
• His first experiences with Jazz
• Interpretation Latin music
• Developing syncopation
• The MacArthur Fellowship Award (He and Max Roach are the only two drummers who have ever won it)
• His new book, A World of Rhythmic Possibilities
• Much more

Resources / People / Links mentioned:

• Contact Dafnis Prieto: Website | Facebook
• Jane Bunnett
• MacArthur Fellowship Award
• A World of Rhythmic Possibilities
• Changuito

Dafnis Prieto Plays:

• Yamaha Drums
• Sabian Cymbals
• Evans Drumheads
• Vic Frith Drumsticks
• LP Percussion

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