Gema y Pavel in Concert: IFR Fundraising Concert

Cuban singer/songwriter duo Gema y Pavel present their innovative blend of Afro-Cuban folk, nu-jazz, flamenco and bolero fusion at this Fundraising concert for Instituto Familiar de la Raza.
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009

Place: Brava Theater (2781 24th @ York)
Time: 7:30 pm

Tickets: $22 in advanced /$25 at door
Purchase tickets online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77831
or at Instituto Familiar de la Raza (2919 Mission St. @ 25th)

The duo Gema & Pável debuted in Havana, Cuba in July 1990, influenced by Cuban composer Marta Valdés. They have collected a loyal following that includes some of Cuba's leading musicians such as singer/composer Silvio Rodríguez, who described Gema & Pável as, an “exception to the current musical creative drought.”

Gema & Pável have recorded music for films, and participated in recordings and performances with artists Ketama, Pedro Guerra and La Union, who have been honored to follow the rich fusion of rhythms and cultural influences the duo has achieved. They have also played concerts with renowned artists Alejandro Sanz, Tito Puente, Pablo Milanés, Martirio, Marta Valdés, Carlos Cano, Pedro Guerra and Javier Ruibal, among many others.

In 2003 Gema & Pável produced their fourth album, the double CD “Art Bembé,” in which they combine Cuban and World music with elements of flamenco and jazz. The January 2004 premiere at the Calle 54 club in Madrid and was a resounding success.

Praise for Gema & Pável:
“They elude salsa to create their own progressive fusion. Gema Corredera and Pavel Urkiza introduce jazz, rock and Brazilian music into the Cuban troubadour tradition…They transform Cuban compositions from the 30’s to the 70’s into contemporary, sophisticated and unique music.” — Larry Birnbaum, Downbeat Magazine
“True to their era, their music is a post-Cold War fusion rooted in their island upbringing and marked by the émigré experience” — Julienne Gage, Miami New Times
“…No CD can be compared with the live show I saw. I was dancing and laughing all the show that lasted nearly three hours. What a perfect voice Gema has... She is by far one of the greatest Latin singers in the world and what an extraordinary guitar player and composer Pavel is. 
If you have the opportunity to check them live or buy their CDs, do so – they are so worth it!” — Marta Gomez, singer/songwriter http://www.martagomez.com