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Arturo Sandoval

by Andy Ivy from Anchorage

“I love music. Period. I don't want to be remembered as a jazz trumpeter. I'd like to be remembered as a man who loved music.”
Arturo Sandoval (http://www.jazztrumpetsolos.com/images/arturo.jpg)
Arturo Sandoval (http://www.jazztrumpetsolos.com/images/arturo.jpg)

Born in Artemisa, a small village in the province of Havana, Cuba in 1949, Arturo Sandoval represents a true musician. In this way he has inspired myself and countless others not only to listen, but also to play with more intention and skill. Arturo can be thought of as a hero in many ways as he exhibits creativity, skill, strength, dedication, and most especially passion for music.

As Arturo began his teenage years, he also began what would soon become his greatest passion: music. As he learned various instruments, he seemed to enjoy trumpet the most. Arturo, at roughly age 15, began an intense study of classical trumpet for several years and during that period also became heavily immersed in jazz.

 (http://trjeam.tripod.com/pictures/sandoval.jpg)
(http://trjeam.tripod.com/pictures/sandoval.jpg)

Arturo’s favorite player and idol at the time had been Dizzy Gillespie. Sandoval had been drafted into the military in 1971, but that did not stop him from achieving his goals as he continued to play with bands and practice daily. After being discharged, Arturo helped start a band called ‘Irakere’ which featured now famous sax player Paquito D’Rivera as well as the pianist Chucho Valdes.

As he went on however, Arturo grew anxious to find his own sound in his own band. In 1981, he created his own image and began touring worldwide with a new sound of Latin jazz. Prior to that however, Sandoval had found Dizzy Gillespie in Cuba after American isolationism had worn down. Sandoval personally showed Dizzy around Cuba and later revealed that he was a musician. Needless to say, Dizzy was quite impressed with his sound.

"I'm blessed. Can you imagine making your living doing what you love?”

 (http://www.arturosandovaljazzclub.com/images/calendar/artists/arturo-playing.jpg)
(http://www.arturosandovaljazzclub.com/images/calendar/artists/arturo-playing.jpg)

Arturo, throughout almost his entire life or at least his musical career, shows extreme heroism and individuality through his greatest passion: music. He is still creating pushing the extremities of the realm of musical talents and abilities. Currently he is approaching 60 years of age and will be touring to my hometown (Anchorage) on May 10th of 2008.

Page created on 12/18/2007 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 12/18/2007 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.