Pianist Gabriel Hernandez was classically trained in Cuba but was playing jazz by the age of 15, recording with singer Beatriz Marques.

He has since worked with Tito Puente, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval and Paquito D’ Rivera, led several bands of his own, and been part of both the Afro-Cuban All Stars and Cubanismo.

The late percussionist Miguel “Anga” Diaz (1961-2006) worked with Irakere in the late 1980s, and performed with the Afro-Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social Club, Omar Sosa, Steve Coleman, Ry Cooder, John Patitucci, Roy Hargrove, and Ruben Gonzalez among others

On “Son A Emiliano,” Hernandez’s tribute to pianist Emiliano Salvador, the composer in 1999 creates some impressive and speedy runs while Diaz pushes him with his colorful rhythms and energy.

This number, which was included on Hernandez’s 1993 album Jazz A Lo Cubano, is an excellent introduction to the talents of the two artists who clearly inspired each other.

-Scott Yanow

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