Issac Delgado February 19, 2010

One of Cuba’s most famous and revered stars, Issac Delgado pioneered the timba style (Havana’s tough, funky take on salsa). A dazzling live performer who was mentored by the legendary Cuban jazz pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Delgado is a cool and centered stage presence who deftly navigates the complex, interlocking music of his band. Restlessly inventive, Delgado keeps rewriting the sometimes restricting rules of Caribbean dance music. He plays with time and tempo, employs amazing jazz passages and sometimes uses modern rhythms and avant-garde electronics. This approach, which can be heard on his 2008 release Asi Soy, has earned respect from musicians, an international audience and multiple Grammy Award nominations to go along with his massive Latin fan base. Delgado defected to the States in 2006, yet he remains so beloved in his native land that he still receives consistent airplay on Cuban national radio.

21 and over. Tickets are available at www.sfjazz.org

Official Website: http://www.sfjazz.org/concerts/2010/spring/artists/delgado.php