Hilario Duran

Hilario Durán had been one of the hidden treasures of Cuban music until he started to record for the Justin Time label. As well, it was his previous work with Jane Bunnett (on the award-winning "Spirits Of Havana") that helped to bring this brilliant and imaginative composer / pianist to a wider audience. While awareness of Durán's talent may be new to many, he has already enjoyed an illustrious career and a solid reputation.

A graduate of the Amadeo Rodan Conservatory (1981), Hilario then joined Arturo Sandoval's group where he remained until 1990. It was at this time that he performed as a jazz pianist at major festivals throughout the world, sharing stages with such outstanding musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Michel Legrand, Wynton Marsalis and countless others. Durán has also worked as a musical arranger, producer and pianist on many recordings with a variety of artists in Cuba and abroad. It was after Sandoval left Cuba that Hilario began his own group and truly came into his own.