ARTICLE FILMS
across the border Cu-Bop
FILMS By Shinichi TAKAHASHI
Separated by an ocean, two Cuban jazz musicians continue to perform in spite of the difficulties they face. César López is recognized as Cuba’s premier saxophonist, having founded his landmark jazz band, the Havana Ensemble, in his native country. The gifted young pianist Axel Tosca lives in New York City, the leader of (U)NITY, a band which fuses Afro-Cuban culture with modern jazz and hip-hop. A documentary for all music lovers, first-time filmmaker Shinichi Takahashi explores the African roots of Cuban jazz and documents what happens when expats return to the source of their inspiration.
Cuba-Japan/DCP/dolby digital 5.1/color/109m/English Spanish/English subtitles/2018
Artists
César López
Was a member of the world-famous jazz band, IRAKERE, at the young at of 19, in which he soon distinguished himself and attracted attention as a gifted player. He has played with many world-famous musicians, including Sting, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, and is recognized as Cuba’s No.1 sax player.
Axel Tosca
The son of famous Cuban singer, Xiomara Laugart. Has been active as a pianist since a young age, and emigrated to the United States of America in 2008. Was nominated for America’s Grammy Award as a member of the New York band, Yerba Buena. Has played with many of the world’s top jazz artists, including Steve Gadd and Wynton Marsalis.
Rolando Luna
Studied the piano at Cuba’s famed Amadeo Roldán Music School. Performed as the pianist in Omara Portuondo for two years before he graduated. Won the Jo JAZZ competition in 1999. Has taken part in the Buena Vista Social Club tour since 2006. Won the top prize in the Montreux Jazz Festival / Solo Piano Competition in 2007.
Adel González
Joined the world-famous IRAKERE jazz band at the age of 20, and has also been a member of Cuba’s top-rated groups, including the Afro Cuban All Stars and the Chucho Valdéz Quartet. One of the world’s most active percussionists.
Shinichi Takahashi (Producer, Director)
Has been active as a photographer and writer since the 1990s. Visited Cuba in 1995 for research purposes, and published three books about Cuban music and culture. Founded Kamita Label in 2000, and began to produce Cuban music. Cu-Bop across the border is the his first Feature documentary film.
Director, Cinematographer,Producer/Shinichi Takahashi
Co-producers/Kenji Igakura, Ayako Futada
Editor/Shinji Tôyama, Shinichi Takahashi,Kenji Igakura Production Company
Kamita Label
