Machito
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Machito (born Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, December 3, 1909 – April 15, 1984) was a Latin jazz musician who helped refine Afro-Cuban jazz and create both Cubop and salsa music. He was raised in Havana with the singer Graciela, his foster sister.
In New York City, Machito formed the Afro-Cubans in 1940, and with Mario Bauzá as musical director, brought together Cuban rhythms and big band arrangements in one group. He made numerous recordings from the 1940s to the 1980s, many with Graciela as singer. Machito changed to a smaller ensemble format in 1975, touring Europe extensively. He brought his son and daughter into the band, and received a Grammy Award in 1983, one year before he died.
Machito's music had an effect on the careers of many musicians who played in the Afro-Cubans over the years, and on those who were attracted to Latin jazz after hearing him. George Shearing, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Stan Kenton credited Machito as an influence. An intersection in East Harlem is named "Machito Square" in his honor.
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Selected discography
As leader
- Mucho Macho Machito (Clef, 1948–1949)
- Kenya (Roulette, 1957)
- Vacation at the Concord (Verve, 1958)
- Machito with Flute to Boot (Roulette, 1959)
- Machito at the Crescendo (GNP Crescendo, 1961)
- Machito!!! (Timeless, 1983)
As sideman
- Miguelito Valdés, Bim Bam Boom – An Album of Cuban Rhythms (Decca)
- Miguelito Valdés, Afro-Cuban Music (Decca, 1942)
- Charlie Parker, South of the Border (Verve, 1948 and 1951–1952)
- Dizzy Gillespie, Afro-Cuban Jazz Moods (Pablo, 1975)
See also
