ABOUT
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Joël Hierrezuelo Balart: journey of a cuban artist in paris
Born in 1972 in Havana, Joël Hierrezuelo Balart has followed a fascinating musical path that led him from the lively streets of Cuba to the prestigious stages of Paris. This Cuban artist has skillfully blended the rhythms of his heritage with contemporary influences to create a unique and captivating body of work. From a talented percussionist to an accomplished guitarist, Joël Hierrezuelo embodies the vibrant spirit of Cuban jazz in Paris. Deep musical roots Joël Hierrezuelo comes from a family where music runs in the veins. His great-uncles, Lorenzo, Caridad, and Reynaldo Hierrezuelo, were iconic figures in Cuban music. His father introduced him to percussion at a very young age. By the age of twelve, Joël was already playing with amateur groups, showing an early passion and talent for music. This passion led him to earn a degree in musical education from the Higher Institute of Havana in 1995, a crucial step in his artistic development. International emergence In 1995, Joël began to make a name for himself in France as the lead singer of the group Ricoson. This initial contact with the French music scene was followed by a return to Cuba, where he continued to explore and enrich his repertoire. His collaboration with Polito Ibañez and his participation in the creation of Temperamento with musicians like Roberto Fonseca, Javier Zalba, and Ruy Lopez Nussa marked a period of intense creativity. In 1997, Joël settled in Paris, where he was quickly recognized for his talent. He performed alongside renowned artists such as Alfredo Rodriguez, Fino Gomez, and Sabor a Son, Paris Salsa All Stars, Anga Diaz, José Mangual Junior, Jimmy Sabater. His career took an international dimension when he shared the stage with legends like Celia Cruz, José Alberto "El Canario," and Bobby Carcases. Years of recordings and collaborations Between 1998 and 2001, Joël recorded several significant albums. He lent his voice to "La Charanga" with Cubaïla and explored new sounds in "Latinoriental" with Algerian singer Hamidou. These projects showcased his ability to adapt and embrace different musical genres, thereby enriching his unique style. In 2002, Joël formed the group Mambi with Carlos Miguel Hernández, Fino Gomez, Yaite Ramos, and Luis Manresa. Their album "AL MACHETE" was a resounding success, featuring renowned guest artists such as Tata Güines, Anga Diaz, Guillermo Fellove, and José Luis "Changuito" Quintana. This period was marked by effervescent creativity and fruitful collaborations. Blossoming of a global career In 2006, Joël participated in the album "Ketukuba" by Africando and paid tribute to Alfredo Rodriguez with "OYE AFRA". From 2007 to 2016, he joined Roberto Fonseca's ensemble, touring the world and participating in numerous international jazz festivals. The albums "Akokan", "YO" (nominated for a Grammy Award), and "Live à Marciac" reflect this prolific period. Simultaneously, Joël collaborated with exceptional artists such as Omara Portuondo, Gilles Peterson and the Havana Cultura project, Fatoumata Diawara, Mayra Andrade, and Munir Hossn, constantly expanding his musical horizons. These collaborations enriched his repertoire and demonstrated his artistic versatility. Exploring world rhythms In 2017, Joël joined Amadou & Mariam, a world-renowned Malian duo. This collaboration took him to the four corners of the globe, from the United States to Africa, and Asia. In 2018, he participated in Amadou & Mariam's intensive tour and released "Zapateo Suite", a collaborative work with Yonathan Avishai, Felipe Cabrera, Lukmil Pérez, and Munir Hossn. This album was critically acclaimed and presented at prestigious festivals such as the Malta International Jazz Festival and Duc des Lombards in Paris. Emergence of new projects In 2020, Joël released "Así de simple", a beautiful blend of jazz and world music. This album, the result of collaborations with artists like Pierre de Bethmann, Felipe Cabrera, Lukmil Pérez, Nicolas Folmer, Naïssam Jalal, and Amy Disa, is an ode to simplicity and the beauty of timeless melodies. In 2021, he recorded "Asia de simple live" at the Studio de l'Ermitage in Paris, offering a new dimension to his compositions with the raw energy of live performances. In 2022, he unveiled "Cimarrón", a tribute to his Afro-Cuban and Caribbean heritage. Accompanied by Leonardo Montana, Felipe Cabrera, Lukmil Pérez, Sylvain Gontard, and Sylvain Barou, this album, released under the Continuo Jazz label, is a poignant testament to his musical evolution and commitment to cultural fusion. Ongoing legacy and innovation In 2023 and 2024, Joël continues to collaborate with various artists, notably at the Jazz à Vienne Festival where he performed with Angélique Kidjo and Yemi Alade, and at the AprêmJazz festival in Quimper where he presented his album "Cimarrón". He also leads conferences, such as "The Golden Age of Cuban Percussion, 70's Evolution" at the Agostini Drum School in Quimper, and participates in the Percu-Temps-Fort Festival in Drancy. Meanwhile, he composes and produces soundtracks for audiovisual productions, once again proving his versatility and adaptability. From Havana to Paris, his notes have traveled, transcending borders. Joël continues to embody the spirit of Cuban jazz, fusing it with modern influences and sharing his passion with an ever-growing audience. His journey is a vibrant testimony of dedication, passion, and love for music, inspiring future generations of Cuban artists in Paris and beyond. |
BANDS & COLABORATION
🎵 Amadou & Mariam
🎵 Alfredo Rodriguez y Los Aserekós 🎵 Omara Portuondo 🎵 Angélique Kidjo 🎵 Yemi Aladé 🎵 Roberto Fonseca 🎵 Anga Diaz 🎵 Fatoumata Diawara 🎵 Mayra Andrade 🎵 Manu Katché 🎵 Yonathan Avishai 🎵 Pierre de Bethmann 🎵 Salome de Bahia 🎵 Bob Sinclar 🎵 Munir Hossn 🎵 Veronique Herman Sambin 🎵 Gilles Peterson & Havana Cultura 🎵 Africando 🎵 Tata Guînes 🎵 Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito) 🎵 Mambi 🎵 Felipe Cabrera 🎵 Alex Terrier 🎵 Yuri Buenaventura 🎵 Diego Pelaez 🎵 Raul Paz 🎵 Mokhtar Samba 🎵 Line Kruse 🎵 Roberto Torres 🎵 Tito Alen 🎵 Paris Salsa All Stars 🎵 Cubaila 🎵 Hamidou 🎵 Orlando Poleo 🎵 Jose Mangual Junior 🎵 Jimmy Sabater 🎵 Ernesto Tito Puentes 🎵 Camilo Azuquita 🎵 Frapadingos 🎵 Roberto Plat Orquesta 🎵 DJ Dinasty |