One of Cuba’s great masters of Afro-Cuban jazz, Havana-born Miguel de Armas fuses the riches of African polyrhythms with the complexities of American jazz, blues, roots and world music in a compellingly eclectic way. In 1988, with José Luis Cortés and other artists from his homeland, he co-founded the acclaimed NG La Banda Orchestra and then, for over a decade, took this band around the globe, performing at world-class jazz festivals like North Sea, Montreaux, Nice and Barranquijazz.  Now, Miguel’s talents are regularly showcased in Ottawa, Ontario, which he considers his adopted home.

On stage, ideas often seem to be flying out from under the pianist’s fingers more quickly than he can fully process them, but with the help of an outstanding rhythm unit (his Afro-Cuban Jazz Quartet consisting of bassist Marc Decho, drummer Michel Medrano and conga player Arien Villegas), he manages to keep his feet on the ground and generate plenty of inspiring moments. With a dynamic and uplifting stage presence, the Miguel de Armas Quartet brings energy, joy and enthusiasm to audiences around the world. Since its creation in 2012, the ensemble has delivered effervescent arrangements of classic jazz standards and traditional Cuban music as well as Miguel’s own compositions.

TD Sunfest audiences may recognize Miguel de Armas from his regular contributions as a pianist to the JUNO-winning, all-female collective OKAN.