Arturo Sandoval Jazzman, trumpeter and pianist. Date of Birth: 06.11.1949 Country: USA

Biography of Arturo Sandoval

Arturo Sandoval is a jazz musician, trumpeter, and pianist. He was born in Artemisa, Cuba and developed a love for music at the young age of 13 when he joined a local group in his village. After experimenting with various instruments, he ultimately chose the trumpet as his instrument of choice. Sandoval studied at the Cuban National School of Arts for three years, honing his trumpet skills and becoming a member of the Cuban national group by the age of 16. It was during this time that he fully devoted his heart to jazz, discovering the works of Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, and his idol, Dizzy Gillespie.

In 1971, Sandoval caught the attention of the military, but he managed to continue his rehearsals with the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music. One of his early projects was the group 'Irakere' where he played alongside Chucho Valdés and Paquito D'Rivera. The group quickly gained international recognition for their unique fusion of Latin American and jazz rhythms. In 1978, Sandoval and his bandmates performed at the Newport Jazz Festival, introducing their music to American audiences and securing a contract with Columbia Records.

During this time, Sandoval had the opportunity to personally meet and be mentored by Dizzy Gillespie. They performed together in Europe and Cuba and later collaborated in The United Nations Orchestra. Although successful with 'Irakere', Sandoval felt unsatisfied and decided to create another group in 1981. This new ensemble achieved impressive results, blending jazz and Latin American music, and even exploring classical compositions by performing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra.

Sandoval's recording career was diverse, collaborating with artists such as Johnny Mathis, Gloria Estefan, Kenny G, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, and Dave Grusin. He shared the stage with Woody Herman, Herbie Hancock, Woody Shaw, Stan Getz, Céline Dion, Tito Puente, Alicia Keys, and Justin Timberlake. In 1990, Sandoval moved to the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1999.

His talent and versatility led to various opportunities outside the jazz realm. In 1995, Sandoval performed at the Super Bowl alongside Patty LaBelle and Tony Bennett, promoting the Disney attraction "Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye." In 2000, his life story became the basis for the television film "For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story" starring Andy García.

Sandoval continues to actively perform and record. His latest album was released in 2010. He currently resides and works in Calabasas, California.