BIOGRAPHY

Being founded in the early months of 1997 and featuring prestigious Cuban musicians, ''Habana Ensemble'' shows a series of new elements approaching the musical and aesthetic spheres becoming different from other Cuban groups.

The fact of being scholars of Irakere, under the direction of the famous jazziest Chucho Valdés allows these young talents to get maturity mastering their instruments and being, on the other hand, examples of great virtuosity at Latin Jazz World.

Using the individual skills of each member, Habana Ensemble tackles in its repertoire masterpieces of Classic Jazz and Cuban popular music.
They achieve a contemporary sound that makes them authentic in each of their performances.
Under the leadership of César López, saxophonist boasting high professional level (ex-member of Irakere), named by the critic as the Cuban Charlie Parkes; Habana Ensemble is adamant since its early years about showing to the public its versatility and performing strength, holding an ample repertoire conformed by boleros, salsa, instrumental pieces, congas, and versions of some standard jazz where improvisations play a decisive role in each one of the members, this fact joins their great sonority to enhance their musical prestige.

To express feelings and emotions transcending upon the most universal language, the music, is the greatest success of Habana Ensemble. It is done through a study of the Cuban musical history and the contributions that have been made in the last 20 years achieving a defined sonority and style before an avid and expert public. This fact allows them to participate at national and international Festivals also sharing scenarios in Venezuela, Barbados, Peru, Colombia, United States, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, being acknowledged with critic appraisal and public acceptance.

"Habana Ensemble" has shared the stage with: Víctor Manuel, Danny Rivera, Washington Ballet, Compay Segundo, Spiro Gira, Marcos Miller and Richard Egues.

Among the luminary Cuban musicians, César López was, due to his authenticity and talent, the most revered artist in 2003, as guest of unique concerts honoring remarkable personalities.

In the first case he was invited for the famous jazzist Chucho Valdés to participate at the concerts offered by him at the worl-wide known Ronnie Scott celebrating the 30 anniversary of Irakere Group, created by Master Chucho Valdés and in the second ocassion he was invited to participate in a gala offered at National Hotel of Cuba with motive of 96 anniversary of the late Compay Segundo.

To add more reasons, César López and his group Habana Ensemble were the special guests for the Japanesse Trio Fumio Karashima, outstanding jazzist who performed in our country as part of a wide schedule to celebrate the 75 anniverasry of the relations between two archipelagos, as japanesse Embassy announced in Cuba.

César López is starting 2004 with new proposals to reinforce his prestigy as Cuban instrumentalist and composer. Around April and March he will be in charge of the Radio and Television Orchestra in Denmark, where he will offer a series of Cuban music concerts, which arrangers and orchestrations are under his sign, to arrive later to United States as guest of Chucho Valdés and Irakere in their upcoming tour.

Another important experience for César was the fact of being protagonist of the major musical event of Cuba that year, we are talking about the concert of the famous jazzist Chucho Valdés and the Spanish singer Diego El Cigala, reaching sonorities hard to forget.
We all witnessed of all that flood of feelings, good music and passion of each member in that concert and although it`s a reality for everyone that César is a peerless musician, this experience simply launched him to fame forever.
To add more spice on June of the same year, as it was forseen by Master jazzist Chucho Valdés, César López was the guest artist of the concerts at the Ronnie Scott to honor the 30 anniversary of Irakere foundation. During an entire month César López was presented by Chucho from Monday to Saturday at the famous club in England and this young and peerless musician and his saxo showed the sensibility and professionalism as permanent features of him.
On the other hand, a magic air flooded over the English audience and it also happened in Havana when in Berbican Theater, Diego el Cigala, Chucho Valdés, Bebo Valdés and César López were present to delight a demanding audience. Little more than ten minutes was the English public clapping and acclaiming such peerless staff which mixed to an excellent music performed an unforgettable night.

2005 was an important year for César López, who besides playing international dates, recorded a new CD for Bis Music , where the high quality and excellence are definitely present.

2006 Cubadisco Award for his CD Andante

Concert at Amadeo Roldán because of César López y Habana Ensemble´s 10th anniversary with the participation of the Havana Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Iván del Prado, made up of strings and fusioned with the group it was performed anthological songs from the Cuban Popular Music, recorded alive in CD and DVD.

This outstanding Cuban musician has been given the Medal of Friendship in Japan MINNON-2007.

Virtuosity, originality and above all, the desire of offering a musical project having a high aesthetic content, are the main features of Habana Ensemble, Cuban musical group that is already occupying an important place in the Latin Jazz's history.

Marianela Dufflar.