On the eve of Christmas Eve, Grammy-winning trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval is reinterpreting the holidays through a free-flowing jazz concert on Monday, Dec. 23, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. An international star considered by many to be among the greatest trumpeters ever, Sandoval has performed at venues across the globe, from big to small. His reputation as a versatile artist with enough worldwide acclaim to wrap around the world twice over is the kind that will ensure a different way for you to celebrate the holidays before the year is over.
Tickets for the concert are available now. Beyond Sandoval’s evening, the Hall has other shows to offer throughout December. Grimy Goods will be running a ticket giveaway. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to find out when we drop the giveaway.
Words: David Sosa
Best of his generation
The Cuban-American multi-instrumentalist has come a long way since beginning his career in the 70s and gaining traction first in Cuba and internationally. Taking after trumpeters that came before him, such as Clifford Brown and Dizzy Gillespie, the latter of whom mentored him early on, Sandoval became known for his prowess behind just about any instrument, ranging from the timbalero to the piano. A loyalist to jazz and Latin jazz, in particular, he quickly became a talented force known around the world, earning a spot on the United Nations Orchestra in the late 80s.
However, one of the many impressive aspects of Sandoval’s career is the venues he has played in the past. As part of the United Nations Orchestra, he traveled everywhere from London to Tunisia, boosting his popularity as one of the most prominent trumpeters of his time. During his time with the United Nations Orchestra, Sandoval became a US citizen, a goal he accomplished with Gillespie’s help. He also played at the Super Bowl in 1995 and the White House in 2012, the same year he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — one of many feats that include a movie made about his life starring Andy Garcia as Sandoval.
History of swing jazz
Although big band might be the genre most synonymous with holiday classics, that doesn’t mean swing jazz doesn’t have its place in the season. Originating in the US in the early 20th century, it served as a basis for what evolved into big band music, growing more expansive and with wider ensembles, often on just one track alone. However, while the two genres share more similarities than differences, swing jazz focuses on improvisation, allowing soloists such as Sandoval to take control and move the energy in unpredictable directions.
Sandoval himself is known for his improv, with solos across his career that are just one part of a decorated career. Despite the show being all but certain to evoke the lively energy of swing dancing, he’s more well-regarded for his contributions to Latin jazz and jazz at large. But, it’s impossible to undermine the influence the genre has on him and his music, serving as a foundation that artists return to whenever possible.
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Bringing jazz to the holidays
Considering jazz is so cemented in the 20th century, it’s only fitting that it shares the same atmosphere of classic holiday cheer. With Sandoval at the helm, having played this particular show at the Hall multiple times, there’s already a high level of experience going into the show. Additionally, his ability to improvise on the spot and prepare ahead of time is sure to keep the audiences on their toes while offering versions of songs they’ve come to know their entire lives. And even if jazz itself is a genre one might not be well-versed in, the reinterpretation of familiar tunes will keep spirits high in a show that’s unique from any other in the Hall’s schedule.
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There are still plenty of holiday celebrations coming out of the Walt Disney Concert Hall before and after Sandoval’s concert. The two days preceding his show, the iconic John Williams score for the first “Home Alone” movie will be brought to life by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra on Dec. 21 and 22. Looking past Christmas, there’s also a New Year’s Eve concert brought to you by DJ D-Nice alongside many guests from 10:30 until midnight.
