Roberto Fonseca at The Jazz Social for London Jazz Festival

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Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca improvised his heart out to a packed venue at The Jazz Social as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. It was a stunning display of his classical and jazz virtuosity.



Roberto's solo piano appearance was a warm-up for his show with a seven piece band and Luna Cohen at London's Cadogan Hall. What we got at The Jazz Social - one of the coolest venues on offer for the first time in this year's EFG London Jazz Festival - was a virtuosic display of all the classical, jazz and cuban influences that weave through Roberto's style.

His new album is out now and this pared-back appearance included hints of that great work - La Gran Diversion.

The gorgeous Yamaha piano (he had an electric set-up but forgot to move onto it!) came alive with cinematic and lyrical improvised pieces and Roberto encouraged audience participation with rhythms and vocalising. A wonderful evening.

You can listen to my conversation with Roberto here for Harmonious World.

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