Chico O’Farrill

Arturo `Chico' O'Farrill was a Cuban trumpet player, composer, arranger and bandleader who played locally until he moved to New York City in 1948 where he studied at the Juiliard School. He worked as arranger for many big jazz stars such as Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Kenton and Count Basie. He released an album titled 'Jazz' in 1953 followed by 'Afro-Cuban' (1953), 'Mambo Dance Session' (1954), 'Nine Flags' (1966) and many others. His 1995 release 'Pure Emotion' was nominated for the Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Performance. He formed the Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra, which his son pianist Arturo O'Farrill continued. He died in 2001 aged 79. © ©Copyright Music Story 2020