Biography
Carlos Manuel Miyares Hernández, born April 25, 1980, in Santiago de Cuba, is a celebrated Cuban saxophonist, composer, arranger, and producer recognized for his expressive sound and technical brilliance. Immersed in Cuba’s rich musical heritage from a young age, he began his formal studies in piano at the José María Heredia Vocational School of Art before switching to saxophone, completing his early training under Master Raúl Cordies and later graduating from the Esteban Salas Conservatory with Master Julio Cesar Gonzales[2][1].
Miyares launched his professional career in 1997 with the group Muralla in Santiago de Cuba. His artistry soon led him to join Chucho Valdés & The Afro-Cuban Messengers in 2008, contributing to the Grammy-winning album 'Chucho’s Steps.' He released his debut solo album, 'Chucho Valdés Presents Carlos Miyares,' in 2010, showcasing his skills as composer, arranger, and producer, and later formed the Carlos Miyares & The Cuban Quintet. Miyares is acclaimed for blending jazz harmonies with complex Afro-Cuban rhythms, drawing from both Cuban and international jazz traditions to create a distinctive, emotive style[1][2][3][4].
Throughout his career, Miyares has performed at major international jazz festivals and collaborated on over 50 recordings, working with renowned artists across genres. His legacy is marked by his contributions to Latin jazz, his role in bridging Cuban and global jazz idioms, and his influence on a new generation of musicians.
Fun Facts
- Carlos Miyares began his music studies on piano at age 7 before switching to saxophone, which became his primary instrument[2][1].
- He has performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz, and Jazz at Lincoln Center[1].
- Miyares’ debut solo album was produced by Chucho Valdés, who also presented him as a major new voice in Cuban jazz[2][4].
- He has contributed to over 50 CDs, DVDs, and film scores, reflecting his versatility and demand as a session musician[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Raúl Cordies - Early saxophone instructor during elementary music studies (Elementary level training) [Early 1990s]
- Julio Cesar Gonzales - Saxophone teacher at Esteban Salas Conservatory (Graduation mentorship) [1994-1999]
- Chucho Valdés - Mentor, collaborator, and producer; introduced Miyares to international jazz stages (Chucho’s Steps (2008), Chucho Valdés Presents Carlos Miyares (2010)) [2008–present]
Key Collaborators
- Chucho Valdés - Band leader, producer, and frequent collaborator in recordings and live performances (Chucho’s Steps, Chucho Valdés Presents Carlos Miyares, international tours) [2008–present]
- Tony Rodriguez, Lázaro 'El Fino' Rivero Alarcón, Oliver Valdés, Yaroldy Abreu - Band members on debut solo album (Chucho Valdés Presents Carlos Miyares) [2010]
- Archie Shepp, Wynton Marsalis, Harold López-Nussa, Roberto Carcassés, Roberto Fonseca, Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernández, Omara Portuondo, Carlos Varela, Zucchero, Francisco Céspedes, Antonio Sánchez - Collaborators in concerts, recordings, and festivals (Various international jazz festivals, recordings, and tours) [2008–present]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging Cuban jazz saxophonists - Inspired by Miyares’ technical mastery and fusion of Cuban and jazz idioms; some have cited him as a model for contemporary Cuban jazz saxophone (Not specified in sources) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE | 2021-05-28 | Album |
| Chucho Presenta a Miyares | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Homenaje Arturo Sandoval | 2016-07-30 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Bacalao Con Pan (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
- Lo Que Va a Pasar (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
- Ese Atrevimiento (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
- Calzada & D (Chucho Presenta a Miyares)
- Jazz Instrumental Suite: Obligations (Abrazo: The Havana Sessions)
- Jazz Vocal Suite: Why Do I? (Abrazo: The Havana Sessions)
- Juana 1600 (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
- Estela Va a Estallar (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
- Changó (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
- Popurrit de Exitos (Tributo a Chucho Valdés e IRAKERE)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Carlos Miyares has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | 17:09 | Iyafrom Tribute To a Chucho Valdes e Irakere | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill |