Artist Spotlight: Ann Reynolds & Clave Gringa

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The passionate beat of Clave Gringa’s music comes from the heart of an artist – Ann Reynolds. Having been drawn to music at a young age she found her true voice at the National Schools for the Arts in Havana, Cuba (La ENA). Already a talented pianist and jazz artist, Ann’s creativity flourished with the vibrancy of Cuban popular music and the skilled instruction she received during her many visits to Cuba.

Clave Gringa, a band formed to showcase her original compositions, is a stunning testament to her artistry and fervor, and to the skill of the gifted musicians that help to bring her compositions to life: Daniel Barry – trumpet, Enrique (Kiki) Valera – Cuban cuatro, Dean Schmidt – bass, Pedro Vargas – timbales/percussion and Steve Smith – congas/percussion.

Each song they play tells a story, sometimes of a moment, sometimes of a lifetime. Together their songs tell the story of a culture – the story of Cuba. They bring together the emotions and history of a culture with such technical perfection that on a sunny day one feels as if they had been transported to the Caribbean. One can feel the warmth, hear the beat of the drums and see the bright flowers reaching towards an equatorial sun.

But, above all, one feels the urge to dance. Even the most stubborn wallflower will begin to sway unconsciously by the time La Chica del Malecon plays. Clave Gringa’s music unites mothers and children, siblings, and lovers – both young and old – in dance.

This is the music of love, passion and family – a story of joy, pain, commitment and survival. This is the ardor of an artist and the music of a people. This is Clave Gringa.

Clave Gringa’s upcoming performances:

Clave Gringa quartet including Kiki Valera on cuatro
Friday September 11,2015
8-10:30
North City Bistro – 1520 NE 177th St Shoreline, WA 98155
Cover $10
Make reservations (it sells out) – 206-365-4447 or info@northcitybistro.com

Clave Gringa quartet including Kiki Valera on cuatro
Saturday Sept 26, 2015
7:30-9:30
Waving Tree Winery – Kirkland
11901 124th St NE, Kirkland
Cover $10
Arrive early for a good seat; wine by glass or bottle available and food truck out front

Ann Reynolds with Geoff Harper – September 13, 2015 6:30-9:00pm at Serafina (2043 Eastlake Ave Seattle, WA 98102)

Ann Reynolds with Leah Pogwizd – September 27, 2015 6:30-9:00pm at Serafina (2043 Eastlake Ave Seattle, WA 98102)

Clave Gringa’s Music:

Clave Gringa’s CD Para Cuba Con Amor is available for purchase or download on clavegringa.com, cdbaby.com, Amazon and iTunes.

Clave Gringa’s Website:

Visit the Clave Gringa website (clavegringa.com) where you can learn more about Cuban music (under the Liner Notes) and find a listing of upcoming events.