Evolution

The Cuban and Spanish saxophone connection of Javier Vercher and Maikel Vistel bears fruit in their latest album titled First Takes! It has been released by Sedajazz Records.

In addition to Vercher and Vistel, national and international stars join forces in this album. Namely, we can take advantage of Luis Guerra on piano, Reinier “El negrón” Elizarde and drummer Billy Hart.

The inclusion within the quintet of Billy Hart, the Washington-born drummer who has earned a good reputation within the genre, with memorable interventions with artists such as Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Wayne Shorter or Herbie Hancock, is striking.

Year of release: 2019

Musicians

• Javier Vercher
• Maikel Vistel
• Billy Hart drums
• Luis Guerra piano
• Reinier Elizarde Ruano contrabass

Tracks

1. This is forever
2. Tiempo de espera
3. Life
4. Bolero
5. Golden Clock
6. Lamento
7. Like a thief in the night
8. New day

Produced by: Javier Vercher y Maikel Vistel

With Convergence, Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz brings together musicians from Cuba, Brazil, Australia and the UK to perform music deeply rooted in jazz.

Release: June 12, 2020

Musicians

• Jorge Vistel, trumpet
• Maikel Vistel, sax
• Nelson Veras, guitar
• Jim Hart, vibes
• Rafael Jerjen, bass
• Florian Arbenz, drums

Tracks

1. Little Idea
2. Translacion
3. Fast Lane
4. Ambar
5. Sound
6. Nocturne
7. Strong Steps
8. Edificio

EN EL MAR is an album produced by Maikel Vistel and performed by award-winning musicians and singers, including Omara Portuondo, Daymé Arocena and Alaín Pérez.

It is in music that we find joy and solace, just as we do in the ocean around us. Music, singing and our shared identity created a place in which to work. The songs, the rhythm and the memories provided a way to move forward.

We recorded ALL the instruments at the same time, with microphones set up like in the 1950’s to give fidelity to that big band sound.

Recording date: July 20, 2020
Release year: 2020

Vocals: Lázaro Armenteros and Daymé Arocena
Backing vocals: Frank Mayea, Daymé Arocena, Rafael Águila, Lázaro Armenteros,

Saxophones

• Alto 1: Román Filiu
• Alto 2: César Filiu
• Tenor 1: Maikel Vistel
• Tenor 2: Rafael Aguila
• Baritone: Monica Viera

Trumpets

• Trumpet 1: Sergio Fernández
• Trumpet 2: Fernando Hurtado
• Trumpet 3: Jorge Miguel Vistel
• Trumpet solo: Jorge Vistel Columbie (Track 5)

Trombones

• Trombone 1: Joulien Ferrer
• Trombone 2: Geandelaxis Bell

Percussion

• Timbal: Yuri Nogueira
• Bongó: Angelito Herrera
• Tumbadoras: Juan Aramís Viera

Piano

• Pepe Rivero
• Orlando Vistel (Track 5)

Double Bass: Reinier Elizarde

Tracks

1. La Jaibera
2. Bello Mar
3. Maria En La Playa
4. En El Mar
5. A La Orilla Del Mar
6. El Pescador
7. Cangrejo Fue A Estudiar
8. Cuando Calienta El Sol
9. Deja Que Suba La Marea
10. La Barca
11. Playa
12. Brisa y Mar
13. En Un Bote De Vela
14. Recordando Mi Puerto

Produced by: Maikel Vistel and Rafael Aguila

Executive Producer: Marcela Graudins and azuldotorg

Sound engineer: Caco Refojo

Mix and master: Caco Reflojo

Photographer: Iritza López

Fiesta en el Batey is an album dedicated to our city, Santiago de Cuba, music inspired by Franco-Haitian culture and a tribute to one of the great groups of this city, the Cutumba folkloric ballet.

Recording date: Recorded at Camaleón music studio on April 25, 2022

Sound engineer: Shayan Fathi
Camera and editing: Noah Shaye
Mix and master: Dave Darlington
Design: Leticia Texeira

Musicians

• Jorge Vistel – trumpet
• Maikel Vistel – tenor sax
• Reinier Elizarde – bass
• Lukmil Perez – drums
• Fernando Favier – Percusion
• Yuvisney Aguilar – Percusion
• Invitado: Roman Filiu – alto sax

Produced by: Vistel Brothes

Executive Producer: Vistel Brothers, Marcelo Pissani