Arturo Sandoval Press
The Rhetorical Review:
Arturo Sandoval calls himself “just a music lover,” but the scope of his career—Presidential Medal of Freedom, 10 Grammy Awards, and performances from Havana to Abbey Road—suggests something more enduring: relentless devotion.
In this candid conversation, Sandoval reflects on My Foolish Heart (2024), his recent album of “mellow, romantic” music that he describes as “a remedy, like a balm” in a world saturated with bad news. He traces his path from a small Cuban village and early gigs at age eleven to classical training, founding Irakere, and a lifelong habit of practice that still anchors him. Read more…
Front Row Reviewers:
On the University of Utah campus, the legendary jazz virtuoso Arturo Sandoval kicks off Utah Presents’ Jazz at Kingsbury Hall series. He and his band give us a glorious night of absolute bebop bliss.
Kingsbury Hall stands grand with its characteristic neoclassical architectural style and influences from Egyptian revival, showcasing elegant design elements and beautiful murals throughout its interior. The stage waits: piano, keyboards, upright and electric bass, a complete drum kit, congas, and a djembe. Cool blue light falls across them. The crowd hums. Those who know Sandoval pass it on to those who don’t.
The break comes fast. The lighting brightens to a vibrant salsa and gold. Musicians rush the stage: noise and movement at once. The regal space turns into a smoky jazz nightclub at once. Then a man steps forward. Small, steady, solid. Salt-and-pepper hair, loose black shirt, worn trousers, red and white shoes, sparkly and bold. Read more…
Rachel’s Reviews:
…it was a really fun concert. He isn’t just a trumpeter but performed on a variety of instruments and even sung one song- “Smile” written by Charlie Chaplin. He seemed to have great chemistry with his band and they are also all very talented. I always appreciate it in a concert when the musician is personable and shares with us their process for writing and selecting songs and Sandoval did that in spades. He seems like a delightful human and that makes the overall concert experience even more enjoyable. Read more…