Home » Jazz Musicians » Elio Villafranca

Elio Villafranca

Born in the Pinar del Río province of Cuba, Steinway Artist, Grammy Nominated, and 2014 Jalc Millennium Swing Award! recipient pianist and composer Elio Villafranca was classically trained in percussion and composition at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba.

Since his arrival in the U.S. in mid 1995, Elio Villafranca is at the forefront of the latest generation of remarkable pianists, composers and bandleaders. His concert Letters to Mother Africa was selected by NYC Jazz Record as Best Concerts in 2016. In 2015, Mr. Villafranca was among the 5 pianists hand picked by Chick Corea to perform at the first Chick Corea Jazz Festival, curated by Chick him self at JALC. Elio Villafranca’s new album Caribbean Tinge (Motema), received a 2014 Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik Nomination by the German Records Critics Award, as well has been selected by JazzTimes and DownBeat magazines for a feature on their very competitive section Editor’s Pick. He also received a 2010 Grammy Nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year category. In 2008 The Jazz Corner nominated Elio Villafranca as pianist of the year. That year, Mr. Villafranca was also honored by BMI with the BMI Jazz Guaranty Award and received the first NFA/Heineken Green Ribbon Master Artist Music Grant for the creation of his Concerto for Mariachi, for Afro-Cuban Percussion and Symphony Orchestra. Finally, his first album, Incantations/ Encantaciones, featuring Pat Martino, Terell Stafford, and Dafnis Prieto was ranked amongst the 50 best jazz albums of the year by JazzTimes magazine in 2003.

Over the years Elio Villafranca has recorded and performed nationally and internationally as a leader, featuring jazz master artists such as Pat Martino, Terell Stafford, Billy Hart, Paquito D’Rivera, Eric Alexander, and Lewis Nash, David Murray, and Wynton Marsalis among other. As a sideman Elio Villafranca has collaborated with leading jazz and Latin jazz artists including: Chick Corea, Jon Faddis, Billy Harper, Sonny Fortune, Giovanni Hidalgo, Miguel Zenón, and Johnny Pacheco among others.

This year, 2017 Elio Villafranca received The Sunshine Award, founded in 1989 to recognize excellence in the performing arts, education, science and sports of the various Caribbean countries, South America, Centro America, and Africa. He is based in New York City and he is a faculty member of Temple University, Philadelphia, The Juilliard School of Music, New York University, and Manhattan School of Music in NYC. 

Gear

Acoustic Grand Piano (Steinway)


Tags

5
Radio & Podcasts

Elio Villafranca, Azmari, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Gonzalo Rubalcaba & More

Read "Elio Villafranca, Azmari, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Gonzalo Rubalcaba & More" reviewed by Ludovico Granvassu


Seven days have flown by, and seven days were barely enough to go through another big pile of wonderful new and upcoming albums which we are featuring this week focusing on some captivating and forward looking projects, and several new albums that bring together jazz and the musical traditions of Cuba and Puerto Rico.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Adrian Younge, Tony Allen “Don't Believe the Dancers" Tony ...

Album Review

Elio Villafranca: Cinque

Read "Cinque" reviewed by Maurizio Zerbo


Questo doppio CD è dedicato alla memoria di Joseph Cinque, che nel 1839 capeggiò la rivolta degli schiavi africani imbarcati sulla nave Amistad con destinazione Cuba e le sue piantagioni di zucchero. È un progetto ambizioso sulla diaspora africana in cui la narrazione vocale delle vicende storiche ben si combina ad un sontuoso apparato musicale, articolato in una suite di cinque movimenti. A fare da trait d'union, l'ancestrale retroterra ritmico della regione congolese, su cui vengono di volta in volta ...

12
Radio & Podcasts

A conversation with Elio Villafranca

Read "A conversation with Elio Villafranca" reviewed by Lorens Chuno


Pianist and composer, Elio Villafranca's new album, Cinque is the product of an earnest and careful execution of creativity. This album seamlessly educates and entertains, and in the same breath invites the listener to introspect. Join me as I talk with the Cuban pianist about Cinque, Cuba, Childish Gambino, and other carefully related topics. Cinque features Elio Villafranca on piano, Vincent Herring on alto & soprano sax, flute, Greg Tardy on tenor sax, clarinet, ...

4
Catching Up With

Elio Villafranca: Five Islands & A Revolt

Read "Elio Villafranca: Five Islands & A Revolt" reviewed by John Ephland


The setting was Systems Two, a well-known, state-of-the-art recording studio in Brooklyn. The sessions, occurring over five days in May (7-11) 2017, were set up to record Cuban pianist/composer Elio Villafranca's sixth album, the elaborate and thoroughly rehearsed double-CD Cinque (artistShare), the music previously performed in shows at Lincoln Center in 2015. Present at Lincoln Center and at Systems Two was a well-coordinated team of musicians, including Steve Turre (trombone, conch shells), Greg Tardy (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Vincent ...

8
New York Beat

Jazz at Lincoln Center: The Search for Original African Music

Read "Jazz at Lincoln Center: The Search for Original African Music" reviewed by Nick Catalano


Although jazz emerged as an art form around the turn of the Twentieth century in the southern United States, its roots extend backward over several centuries. The music largely developed from a synthesis of many African and European forms that was achieved through the institution of slavery. Blacks were captured or purchased from specific “factory" areas in West Africa--the Portuguese took from Senegal and transported to Brazil, the English plundered the Ashantis of the Gold Coast and sold them in ...

13
Extended Analysis

The Caribbean Tinge: Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola

Read "The Caribbean Tinge: Live from Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola" reviewed by Steve Bryant


Ever since the jazz was created in the clubs and dancehalls of New Orleans, there was always a significant influence from the Caribbean region, specifically from Cuba. The island, which was just a ferry ride from the port city, had such a significant effect on the development of the music that Jelly Roll Morton always spoke of the importance of Afro-Cuban based rhythms (the Spanish Tinge) in creating and performing this nascent music. However, it was the arrival of a ...

158
Album Review

Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable: Dos Y Mas

Read "Dos Y Mas" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Pianist Elio Villafranca and percussionist Arturo Stable have the world at their fingertips. They originally hail from Cuba, where they received classical training and soaked in the sounds of the people before coming Stateside. But they don't limit their vision to their mutual point of origin. Spain, the Middle East and Africa, along with the sounds of their homeland, come into view on Dos Y Mas as these two meld their minds and marry their musical intentions to create a ...

Read more articles
3

Performance / Tour

Get A Taste Of Elio Villafranca's Upcoming Release 'Standing By The Crossroads' At Smoke in NYC from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2!

Get A Taste Of Elio Villafranca's Upcoming Release 'Standing By The Crossroads' At Smoke in NYC from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

Elio Villafranca leads his exciting group the Jazz Syncopators. Villafranca is spellbinding pianist who has recorded and performed with master artists such as Pat Martino, Terell Stafford, Billy Hart, Paquito D'Rivera, Eric Alexander, Lewis Nash, David Murray, and Wynton Marsalis. He brings an original musical perspective and is at the forefront of an exciting new generation of musicians. Downbeat states, “Villafranca has emerged as a commanding presence on the jazz scene, not just in the U.S. but throughout the world.” ...

3

Performance / Tour

World-Renowned SMOKE Jazz Club Announces October Schedule Including Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker Celebration

World-Renowned SMOKE Jazz Club Announces October Schedule Including Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker Celebration

Source: AMT Public Relations

Album Release Concert: Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators (Sep 29-Oct 2) Bird & Diz: Dizzy Gillespie Celebration (Oct 14-16) The Music of Monk: Lovano, Hays, Street, and Foster (Oct 20-23) and more... One of New York City’s premier live music venues, Smoke Jazz Club, presents a stellar line-up of both legendary jazz performers and emerging voices during the month of October. Acclaimed for its essential music programming and inspired setting, Smoke Jazz Club recently reopened to much fanfare after ...

3

Recording

Multi-Grammy Nominee & Guggenheim Fellow Elio Villafranca 'Standing By The Crossroads' Featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant! ArtistShare Project

Multi-Grammy Nominee & Guggenheim Fellow Elio Villafranca 'Standing By The Crossroads' Featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant! ArtistShare Project

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

Two time Grammy nominated Cuban jazz pianist and composer, and 2021 recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship Elio Villafranca, has created a new work for ArtistShare entitled Standing by the Crossroads. This piece, different than his previous work CINQUE, speaks about his own life experiences as an artist, growing up in the small town of San Luis, Pinar del Rio, surrounded by Congolese drums, educated in Russian classical music, while falling in love with jazz. In this project, Elio also speaks ...

8

Performance / Tour

Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators - Oct. 13 - Chelsea Table + Stage - NYC's Newest Hot-Spot. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators - Oct. 13 -  Chelsea Table + Stage - NYC's Newest Hot-Spot. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH! Elio Villafranca and The Jass Syncopators October 13th. One Night Only 7:00pm & 9:30pm Debut Performance at: Chelsea Table + Stage Hilton Fashion District Hotel 152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001 212-434-0499 Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopators Elio Villafranca: piano/composition Vincent Herring: alto saxophone/flute Scott Wendholt: trumpet Dayna Stephens: tenor saxophone ...

4

Book / Magazine

Cuban Pianist Elio Villafranca New Children's Book: Who Ate The Pie?

Cuban Pianist Elio Villafranca New Children's Book: Who Ate The Pie?

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

Two-time Grammy Nominated pianist and composer Elio Villafranca has expanded his creative universe to become an author with the release of his first Children’s Book WHO ATE THE PIE? WHO ATE THE PIE? offers children an interactive way to learn to recognize animals by the geometrical shapes of their footprints and by the sound each animal makes. Who Ate the Pie? is a fun, engaging, educational, and beautifully illustrated book, where young children and their parents are invited to join ...

5

Recording

Eva Cortés New Release - Todas Las Voces - Features Christian McBride, Elio Villafranca, Eric Harland And More!

Eva Cortés New Release - Todas Las Voces - Features Christian McBride, Elio Villafranca, Eric Harland And More!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

TRRC Presents Eva Cortés Todas las Voces July 17th Debut Release with All-Star Band! Featuring: Christian McBride, Elio Villafranca, Eric Harland, Doug Beavers, Luisito Quintero, Román Filiú and Luques Curtis! “My music is nothing but a reflection of what my life has been." Honduran/Spanish singer, songwriter and composer Eva Cortés delivers a revelatory set of flamenco and blues-tinged Latin jazz on her newest record, Todas las Voces. Working for the second time with producer, arranger and trombonist Doug Beavers (Eddie ...

7

Performance / Tour

2019 Grammy Nominee Elio Villafranca & The Jass Synopators Featuring Jeremy Pelt On February 16 - Essex Junction, Vermont And February 18-20 - Dizzy's Club

2019 Grammy Nominee Elio Villafranca & The Jass Synopators Featuring Jeremy Pelt On February 16 - Essex Junction, Vermont And February 18-20 - Dizzy's Club

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

2019 Grammy Nominee Elio Villafranca & the Jass Synopators featuring Jeremy Pelt February 16: Essex Junction, Vermont February 18-20: Dizzy's Club NYC Elio Villafranca & The Jass Syncopatorsc presents Life Stories cRare Vermont Appearance The Double E: T Rex Theater 21 Essex Way Essex Junction, VT 05425 Featuring: Jeremy Pelt: trumpet Roxy Coss: tenor sax/soprano sax/flute James Burton: trombone Hamish Smith: acoustic bass Dion ...

3

Performance / Tour

Elio Villafranca Quintet Makes Their Debut At Smoke On October 24-27!

Elio Villafranca Quintet Makes Their Debut At Smoke On October 24-27!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

2019 Grammy Nominee Pianist/Composer/Arranger ELIO VILLAFRANCA Debuts With His Quintet at Smoke NYC OCTOBER 24-27! Smoke Jazz and Supper Club 2751 Broadway New York, NY 10025 Phone: 212-864-6662 Elio Villafranca makes his quintet debut at Smoke with: Greg Tardy: tenor sax/clarinet Bruce Harris: trumpet Gregg August: bass Dion Parson: drums Elio Villafranca leads a stellar quintet with trumpeter ...

3

Performance / Tour

Elio Villafranca Free Concert In Da Bronx On May 28th At 6pm - Debuts New Project: Don't Change My Name - Presented By The Bronx Arts Ensemble

Elio Villafranca  Free Concert In Da Bronx On May 28th At 6pm - Debuts New Project: Don't Change My Name - Presented By The Bronx Arts Ensemble

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

May 28th, 6pm at Barretto Point Park Debuts New Project: “Don't Change My Name" Presented by the Bronx Arts Ensemble Featuring Dreiser Durrutthy Bombale (vocal/percussion) Elio Villafranca: piano/compositions Freddie Hendrix: trumpet/flugelhorn Sam Dillon: clarinet, soprano/tenor saxophones James Burton III: trombone Peter Slavov: bass Yorgos Maniatis: drums Richard Padron: electric guitar Gabo Lugo: percussion Mark Sherman: vibes ...

5

Award / Grant

Elio Villafranca's Cinque Nominated For 2019 Grammy Award As Best Latin Jazz Album!

Elio Villafranca's Cinque  Nominated For 2019 Grammy Award As Best Latin Jazz Album!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

2019 GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS ELIO VILLAFRANCA- CINQUE BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM Field 10: Jazz Category 35. Best Latin Jazz Album (For vocal or instrumental albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.) Heart Of Brazil Eddie Daniels Back To The Sunset Dafnis Prieto Big Band West Side Story ...

Jazz Times Magazine 2003 Critics Picks Top 50 Best Jazz Album "Growing up next door to a local cultural center... surely help to develop his loaded, technically superior, sharp and romantic pianism." —JazzTimes "It is not difficult to sort out Villafranca’s musicality, brute force, effervescence, topicality, virtuosic independence, patience, candor, and brazen delicacy… This recording is a welcome relief among both recent jazz and Latin jazz releases and it makes one wonders where Villafranca will go next. Wherever he goes, one must follow." —All About Jazz "Villafranca is at the level of his countrymen, Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba..

Read more

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Standing by The...

ArtistShare
2022

buy

Todas las Voces

Blue Fern Record​s
2020

buy

Cinque

ArtistShare
2018

buy

Dos Y Mas

Motéma Music
2012

buy

The Source In Between

Ceiba Tree Music
2008

buy

Cinque + Narration 2 (Part 1)

From: Cinque
By Elio Villafranca

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.