Yosvany Terry Quintet // Livestream 2nd Set

Cuban-born saxophonist and composer Yosvany Terry stands at the forefront of Latin American musicians reshaping the US jazz scene, and his powerhouse quintet is the driving force behind his cross-cultural explorations. Blending influences from West Africa, Cuba, and American jazz, Terry’s music is acclaimed for its originality and vision—what The New York Times calls “a complex new idiom,” helping to redefine Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz.

The quintet features a lineup of top-tier collaborators: pianist Fabian Almazan, himself a celebrated bandleader and composer; bassist Or Bareket, known for his commanding tone and groove; trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, a leading New York voice in his instrument; and on drums, the versatile Obed Calvaire, an acclaimed and on demand talent, and rising New York star Julian Miltenberger (featured on Friday, June 27). Together, they create a sound that is at once richly rooted and unmistakably contemporary.

Terry’s original compositions anchor the group’s repertoire, with selections drawn from acclaimed albums such as New Throned King and Today’s Opinion, alongside newly commissioned works. Their performances highlight Afro-Cuban polyrhythms, contemporary harmonies, and inspired improvisation, offering listeners both access and excitement. As Terry explains, “In Cuba, everything that arrives integrates and becomes part of the culture. Jazz is the same way.” His distinct approach weaves together ancient traditions and forward-thinking artistry, shaping intimate and exhilarating small-group arrangements.

For Terry, musicians are natural cultural ambassadors, drawing on their diverse backgrounds and global experiences. With his quintet, he integrates these influences into a personal vision for the future of jazz. The Yosvany Terry Quintet delivers performances that embody jazz’s ongoing evolution—setting the pace for the music of tomorrow.