CubaPLUS Magazine

César López, a renowned Cuban saxophonist, is today one of the finest exponents of jazz in Cuba. This is evident not only in the national and international awards he has received but also in the acclaim of audiences at concerts across the globe, where he has shared the stage with world-class artists.

Because of his remarkable and inspiring career, CubaPLUS Magazine interviewed this celebrated musician, as it was essential to feature his story in our pages, adding to the rich roster of artists who already form part of the magazine’s musical catalog.

His first steps in music began at just 10 years old. “At first, I was a troubadour: I sang and accompanied myself on guitar. At 11, I began formal studies in saxophone at the Camagüey Conservatory of Music,” he recalled.

Although a lover of classical and Cuban music, what truly captivated him came in 1980 when his teacher gave him a cassette of Charlie Parker—the legendary American saxophonist and jazz composer. “From that moment, I was hooked forever,” he confessed.

By age 13, López had already won first prize at the Cuban Saxophone Competition. In 1985, he entered the National School of Art and simultaneously began his professional career with the distinguished Cuban musician Bobby Carcassés, making his first forays into jazz.

Three years later, due to his exceptional talent as a musician and instrumentalist, the celebrated jazz pianist Chucho Valdés invited him to join Irakere, Cuba’s prestigious band, where he remained for nine years.

During his time with Irakere, López developed a flourishing international career, performing in countless theaters worldwide and sharing the stage with great jazz figures such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gladys Knight, Michel Camilo (Dominican Republic), Paquito de Rivera (Cuba), and Tito Puente (United States).

When asked which performances held the most meaning for him, he reflected: “It’s difficult to single out countries, since I’ve performed in 56, each giving me extraordinary experiences.

But I do have favorites: England, especially London, and Japan, which will always have a place in my heart for its knowledgeable and deeply respectful audiences. Also Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, France, Spain, and Russia.”

In 1997, César López founded his own group, Habana Ensemble, dedicated to jazz, bolero, and salsa, fusing rhythms with a contemporary sound and improvisations that turn each performance into a true work of art.

With this ensemble, he recorded several albums and earned recognition at national festivals, including the Grand Prize and Best Instrumental Album at CubaDisco 2008 with his CD Clásicos de Cuba, the country’s most important music industry event.

In 2018, López joined Orquesta Akokán, whose debut album Orquesta Akokán (Daptone Records) won the 2019 Songlines Music Award and was nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards and for Best Tropical Album at the 2019 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

This versatile artist is also part of the Cuban Sax Quintet, formed by the island’s five best saxophonists. Their debut work Saxofones Live Sessions won the Grand Prize at CubaDisco 2019 and was nominated for Best Instrumental Album at the 2019 Latin Grammys.

Despite his intense musical life, this quintessential jazzman has poured his energy into his great personal project: the César Jazz Club, inaugurated last July 26 in Old Havana and already considered by many to be the “Temple” of Cuban jazz.

“Right now, together with my wife Seiko, I am very focused on running César Jazz Club, our jazz venue, alongside some performances I’m giving in Latin America,” he said. With certainty, he concluded: “I absolutely cannot see myself in any other profession. Music is my eternal and faithful companion.”