Line-up: OMAR PUENTE violin; AL MACSWEEN keyboards; JIMMY MARTINEZ bass; FLAVIO CORREA bata drums; OSCAR MARTINEZ congas; FERNANDO DEPESTRE drums
"Originally a classical violinist—before settling in England in 1997 he was first violin with the Nacional Symphony Orquestra in his native Cuba—Omar Puente has since focused on modern Cuban music and jazz, exploring the mutualities of the two traditions, favouring an electric instrument." Allaboutjazz
Internationally renowned for his masterful performances in a variety of musical styles, world class violinist Omar Puente is nothing short of a true virtuoso. After establishing himself as an accomplished musician on his native Cuban soil, Omar moved to England in 1997 where he has since played in Europe, the Middle and Far East, the USA and Africa.
Having maintained close links with traditional Cuban music, classical genres and jazz, his latest album ‘Best Foot Forward’, released in 2016, is rich with energy, colour, creative arrangements and originality.
Throughout his career Omar has supported and shared the stage with a whole host of other stars; Tito Puente, John Williams, Nigel Kennedy, Courtney Pine and Wynton Marsalis to name a few.
Omar’s many accolades include The Lukas Award for The Classical, Jazz or Folk Act of the Year 2018; a top 10 placement for Songline Magazine's Album of the Year; and a nomination for Best Jazz Soloist in the 21st International CubaDisco Fair 2017.
