Dafnis Prieto Sextet

"[Prieto] has transformed Afro-Cuban rhythms... These pieces are emotionally charged and stylistically diverse, carried along not just by rhythm but also through lovely harmonized passages, horn fanfares, and powerfully conjured moods."-Wall Street JournalThe most impressive drummer to enter the jazz scene in the past decade, Cuban-born Dafnis Prieto has won his fair share of awards, impacting both the Latin and jazz scenes. His world rhythms exhibit a forceful yet flexible sense of groove derived from traditions of Afro Caribbean hand percussion and polyrhythmic post-bop. The music is truly unique, blending sounds from diverse cultures into music that is both euphoric and intelligent. Prieto's accomplished band includes Peter Apfelbaum (sax), Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Felipe Lamoglia (sax), Manuel Valera (piano), and Charles Flores (bass).

As a special component to the concert, Trisha Brown Dance Company member Judith Sanchez Ruiz will perform a short dance/percussion duet with Prieto.

The Walker Art Center and Northrop Jazz are thrilled to copresent the Minnesota debut of jazz's hot new artist. The essence of Prieto's style, which references old religious music to modern music within one set of trap drums, will result in a hyper-charged performance.