Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette & Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Biography

Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba form a superlative jazz trio, each bringing decades of innovation and mastery to the group. Their collaboration is most notably captured on the Grammy-winning album 'Skyline' (2021), which showcases their dynamic interplay and deep musical conversation. Gonzalo Rubalcaba, a Cuban-born pianist, was raised in Havana and began his career immersed in Afro-Cuban rhythms before moving to the Dominican Republic in 1991 and later Miami in 1996. Rubalcaba's early professional experiences included formative collaborations with Carter and DeJohnette, whom he regards as key mentors who shaped his artistic approach[1][3][6].

Ron Carter, one of the most recorded jazz bassists in history, and Jack DeJohnette, a legendary drummer known for his work with Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett, bring their expansive experience and unique voices to the trio. Their musical style on 'Skyline' blends Afro-Cuban influences, classic jazz, and improvisational dialogue, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking. The album features reimagined standards, original compositions, and Cuban classics, all performed with a relaxed yet deeply connected approach that highlights the trio's mutual respect and joy in making music together[2][4][5].

The legacy of this trio is marked by their ability to merge diverse backgrounds into a unified artistic vision. Their work on 'Skyline' is celebrated for its rich rhythmic textures, sophisticated harmonies, and the palpable sense of camaraderie. Each member is a luminary in their own right, but together, they elevate the piano trio format to new heights, influencing a new generation of jazz musicians and listeners[6][3].

Fun Facts

• The album 'Skyline' was the first in a planned trilogy of piano trio records by Rubalcaba, with Carter and DeJohnette chosen specifically for their ability to blend Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz[1].
• After the official recording session for 'Skyline' ended, the trio continued to play for fun; the impromptu jam was accidentally recorded and became the final track, 'RonJackRuba'[2].
• Rubalcaba wrote a piece dedicated to Ron Carter years before the 'Skyline' sessions, but performing it with Carter himself brought a new emotional depth to the music[2].
• The trio's chemistry is so strong that they often reimagine familiar tunes, infusing them with new life and personal touches unique to their collective experience[2][4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ron Carter - Mentor to Gonzalo Rubalcaba; early collaborations shaped Rubalcaba's approach to jazz and improvisation. (The Blessing (Somethin’ Else, 1994), Skyline (2021)) [1990s–present]
• Jack DeJohnette - Mentor to Gonzalo Rubalcaba; provided guidance and inspiration through collaborations. (Diz… (Somethin’ Else, 1991), Images (Somethin’ Else, 1991), Skyline (2021)) [1990s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Chick Corea - Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette previously collaborated with Corea, notably on Carter's composition 'Gypsy.' (Gypsy (original recording ~1980s)) [1980s]
• Aymee Nuviola - Gonzalo Rubalcaba's frequent collaborator in Latin jazz projects. (Viento y Tiempo: Live at the Blue Note Tokyo (2021)) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Younger Cuban jazz pianists - Rubalcaba has inspired a generation of Cuban musicians with his blend of Afro-Cuban and jazz traditions. (Numerous Cuban jazz recordings and performances) [1990s–present]
• Modern jazz trios - The trio's work on 'Skyline' has set a benchmark for contemporary piano trio interplay and improvisation. (Skyline (2021)) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. De Miami a La Habana (From Miami a La Habana)
2. Turning I (Turning Point / Trio D'ete)
3. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás
4. Unforgettable (Fascination)
5. El Manisero (A Journey Through Cuban Music)
6. Rumba Callejera - En Vivo (Viento y Tiempo (Live at Blue Note Tokyo))
7. Cabanga (Cachao Vive: El Alma del Contrabajo)
8. Cómo Fue (with Gonzalo Rubalcaba) (Indestructible)
9. Canta Contrabajo (Cachao Vive: El Alma del Contrabajo)
10. En La Orilla Del Mundo (Tokyo Adagio)

External Links

• Spotify