Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Cuba

Birth

:

July 31, 1974 in Santa Clara, Cuba

 

Dafnis Prieto is a Cuban-born drummer, composer, and educator who has made a significant impact on the world of jazz and Latin music. Born on July 31, 1974, in Santa Clara, Cuba, Prieto grew up in a musical family and began playing drums at a young age. His father was a drummer and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged him to pursue music as a career. Prieto's early musical education was in the Cuban folkloric tradition, which he learned from his father and other local musicians. He also studied classical percussion at the National School of Arts in Havana, where he developed his skills as a drummer and composer. In 1996, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in jazz and Latin music. Prieto quickly established himself as a versatile and innovative drummer, playing with a wide range of musicians and ensembles. He has worked with jazz legends like Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, and Eddie Palmieri, as well as Latin music stars like Chucho Valdés, Bebo Valdés, and Paquito D'Rivera. He has also led his own groups, including the Dafnis Prieto Sextet and the Dafnis Prieto Big Band. Prieto's compositions are known for their complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and innovative use of percussion. He draws on a wide range of musical influences, including Cuban folkloric music, jazz, classical music, and contemporary music. His compositions often feature unusual time signatures and polyrhythms, and he is known for his use of odd meters like 7/4 and 9/8. One of Prieto's most famous compositions is "About the Monks," which was inspired by the music of Thelonious Monk. The piece features a complex rhythm that shifts between 7/4 and 4/4 time, and it has become a staple of the jazz repertoire. Another notable composition is "The Sooner the Better," which features a driving rhythm and a catchy melody that has made it a favorite of audiences and musicians alike. Prieto has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer and performer. In 2011, he won a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the "genius grant," which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their field. He has also won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Latin Jazz Album for his album "Back to the Sunset" in 2019. In addition to his work as a musician, Prieto is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at institutions like the New England Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music, and he has conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world. He is known for his innovative teaching methods, which emphasize the importance of rhythm and improvisation in music education. Overall, Dafnis Prieto is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of jazz and Latin music. His innovative compositions and virtuosic drumming have earned him a devoted following, and his work as an educator has inspired countless musicians around the world. As he continues to push the boundaries of music and explore new creative possibilities, he remains one of the most exciting and important musicians of his generation.

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