Yilian Cañizares
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TRIO
Yilian Cañizares is one of the most intriguing contemporary violinists, singers and composers. Always staying true to her origins, she skillfully blends jazz, classical and Afro-Cuban rhythms with her otherworldly voice. Whether on stage or in a recording studio, there are few talented artists like Yilian – who was born in Havana and settled in Switzerland – with such great respect for the past and sensitivity towards the future.
Two acclaimed albums, the self-produced Ochumare released in 2013 and its 2015 follow-up Invocación, under the guidance of Alê Siqueira (Roberto Fonseca, Omara Portuondo), have strengthened her reputation as an innovative artist who is capable of transcending musical boundaries. French weekly Le Nouvel Observateur called her the “revelation of the year” due to her charisma, influences and the ease with which Yilian sings and plays the violin.
“My sound reflects the richness and mixture of cultures that I carry with me today. It reflects what I am: a woman, Cuban, musician and citizen of the world”, explains the artist.
When she was just 14 years old, Yilian Cañizares was offered a scholarship to study in Caracas. In 2000, she moved to Switzerland to study at a conservatory. After a few years, major orchestras began to request her and, after moving to Lausanne, she collaborated with several ensembles for six years. During this period, the artist created a quartet of musicians from Germany, Venezuela and Switzerland (and later Cuba) and named it “Ochumare”. Six months later, in 2008, she won the Montreux Jazz Festival Competition with this group.
Since then, her career has crescendoed. In recent years, she has shared a stage with Chucho Valdés, Richard Bona, Ibrahim Maalouf, Omar Sosa, Youn Sun Nah, Michael League, Harold Lopez Nussa, Roberto Fonseca and Dhafer Youssef.
Invocación, her second album, topped last year’s Qobuz world music ranking and has been reissued in a deluxe edition.
Aguas, an album produced in collaboration with Omar Sosa, was released on 5th October 2018. Together with their compatriot Inor Sotolongo on percussion, the duo created an intimate, personal record that reflects the perspectives of two generations of Cuban artists who live a long way from their homeland. The album is a mix of moving songs and energetic ballads, a symbol of the incomparable musical chemistry between the two artists. A unique fusion between Afro-Cuban music, classical music and jazz.
Erzulie, named after the Haitian goddess of love and freedom, was released on 15th November 2019. Recorded in New Orleans, the album features the participation of several guests including Christian Scott, Michael League, Bill Laurance (piano), Bobby Sparks etc. With Erzulie, Yilian was nominated as best artist & best album for the Songlines Music Awards.
Her latest album Habana-Bahia was released on October 2023. Recorded in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, this album is a veritable musical, spiritual and cultural marriage between Brazil and her native Cuba.
Yilian Cañizares has received important recognitions, including the Swiss Music Award (2021) and the invitation to perform during the UN World Oceans Day. She has recently been selected as one of the 100 personalities of the year in Switzerland.
PRESS:
“Yilian is one of the most incredible talents of the new generation of Cuban musicians. She is a virtuoso, she is expressive, spontaneous and with a grace that makes her the favorite of all of us.”
Chucho Valdés
“Yilian Cañizares is a national pride for many countries…”
Forums des 100
“Yilian’s new album is cultural and emotional immersion, a link between suffering and happiness, between men and gods, between reality and imagination.”
RTS Culture
“Habana-Bahia thus asserts itself as a profound spiritual journey, which gets off to the best possible start with Oxum, a soulful musical ode dedicated to the protective divinity who has long watched over Yilian Cañizares…”
Que Tal Paris
“There is sensuality, swaying and immediacy, danceable tracks, joy, fulfillment…”
Jazz Mania
“Just listen to the title track, “Habana-Bahia”, and you'll grasp the energy and density of an album that nonetheless varies the pleasures, becoming by turns frenetic and languorous. A great record.”
24 Heures
“The compositions are special, the vocals are special, the violin playing is special, and the atmosphere of the album can actually be called mostly enchanting”
Moors Magazine
