Biography

El Comité is a true “all‑star band” of the Cuban diaspora and is regarded as one of the most impressive ensembles in the world in the field of Latin jazz and contemporary Afro‑Cuban music. Since its creation in 2017, the band has stood out for its modern writing, stunning collective virtuosity, and irresistible sense of groove, capable of igniting both major festival stages and the most demanding clubs. Led by musicians whose international careers are already firmly established, El Comité operates as a sonic laboratory where Cuban heritage, contemporary jazz, funk, afro‑beat, and top‑level improvisation converge.

At the heart of the group, each musician is a leading figure of his generation and contributes to makingEl Comité an exceptional ensemble. Saxophonist Irving Acao, often described as a "Cuban Coltrane", was spotted by Chucho Valdés, with whom he toured as part ofIrakere and Jazz en Clave, and has collaborated with artists such asIbrahim Maalouf, Roy Hargrove, Michel Camilo, Danilo Pérez, McCoy Tyner, David Murray, Mike Stern, Jimmy Cliff, Nicolas Folmer or Andy Narell. Trumpeter Carlos Sarduy has shared the stage and studio with Chucho Valdés, Los Van Van, Esperanza Spalding, Buika, Richard Bona, Ojos de Brujo, and many others, embodying a generation of Cuban soloists at ease in every setting, from pure Latin jazz to the most daring fusions. Pianist and keyboardist Rolando Luna, winner of the Montreux solo piano competition, brings a rich harmonic palette and a strong lyrical sense that roots the band in the great tradition of contemporary Cuban pianists. Pianist Harold López-Nussa, also a first prize and audience award winner at the Montreux Jazz Festival solo piano competition and now signed to Blue Note, adds volcanic energy and a rare mastery of blending Cuban music, modern jazz, and popular influences. Having graced major international stages alongside artists such as Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdés, Leo Brouwer, Horacio «El Negro» Hernández, Michael League (Snarky Puppy), and Richard Bona, he develops withinEl Comité a playing that is both incisive and songful, where harmonic sophistication meets an acute sense of dance and shared enjoyment.

To support this blazing front line, El Comité relies on a formidable rhythm section, built for large stages. On double bass and electric bass, Gaston Joya is a pillar of groove and musicality, able to shift in an instant from deep support to singing melodic lines. On drums, Rodney Barreto drives the band with a power and finesse that make him one of the most sought‑after drummers on today’s Cuban scene, while master percussionist Yaroldy Abreu Roblesenriches each piece with a dense web of tones and polyrhythms of exceptional richness. Together, they form a rhythm section of such precision and intensity that it leaves a lasting mark on every audience.

This alchemy is fully reveals itself on stage, where El Comité is unanimously praised for the scale of its show. The band has set fire to top‑tier stages such as NN North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, the Antique Theatre at Jazz in Vienna, Jazz in Juan, Jazz in Marciac , as well as numerous festivals and venues across Europe and beyond, confirming its ability to meet the highest international standards.El Comité concerts are often described as genuine groove storms: a surge of inspired solos, powerful builds in intensity, and call‑and‑response exchanges between horns, piano, and percussion, all supported by a precise, contemporary sound. Each performance becomes a joyful, collective celebration where the highest musical standards meet total generosity on stage, offering programmers a show that can leave a lasting imprint on a festival’s audience and set the bar very high in terms of live Latin jazz and Afro‑jazz.