I am looking forward to JoJazz every november. It is a jazz music festival for young musicians that take place every year in Havana, in November. In my opinion, it is one of the best events carrying out in Cuba for the authenticity and devotion of those Jazz musicians who participate in such event. They come to this festival, eager to show their talent, to learn, to exchange knowledge, and above all, to enjoy Jazz music, which is the most important thing for them at thhat time.

An additional advantage is the proximity of the Bertold Brecht cultural center to the Mella Theater, venue for the JoJazz collateral activities. In the theater gardens, two excellent jam sessions were held during the contest starred by pianist Alejandro Meroño, the first day and on the by drummer Oliver Valdés, the second day. Some participants attended the Mella gardens, as a way of relaxation after the effort they made in the competition.

As usual, some winners of last editions who have recognized carriers together with figures Jazz musicians who have great profesional experience are in charge of assessing all proposals. On this occasion,  some of the jury members are: drummer Enrique Plá, bassist José Hermida, violinist William Roblejo, saxophonists Carlos Miyares, Michel Herrera, Janio Abreu and Emir Santa Cruz, pianists Alejandro Falcón and Alejandro Meroño, bassist Alain Pérez, singer Yanet Valdés and trombonist Yoandry Argudín, among others.

Before the careful look and listening of this demanding jury, two days of competition were held, on November 22 and 23. During the first day, the interpretation contest was carried out and dedicated in its first part, to the work of soloists between 16 and 20 years old and then for older soloists between 21 and 35 years old.

Definitely, those minor categories artists had a great acceptance by the audience. They brought interesting proposals, which that obtained the approval of the jury. The elders did not run with the same fate, not even the histrionic performance of the Trinitarian violinist Daniel Darille Andreus Darron, the only foreigner in the contest.

 All contestants competed as soloists, but actually it is a collective work; as they needed the other musicians to perform with them as they showcased their own skills. The accompanying musicians are responsible for maintaining a high quality performance in order to highlight the talent of the contestant.

On the second day, the competition was dedicated to composers. The jury assessed the quality of the compositions, as a crucial element in performances; which was finally reflected in the ratings.

In general, several proposals used quite similar formats or with traditional elements of jazz. The minimalist proposal of the pianist Abel Gonzalez Lescay highlighted with his work Distancias and then his work Toti Toté with a voice, piano and electric bass format.

The second part of the program (already in its evening session of competitions) was dedicated to the contest of small-scale jazz bands and then to the big bands contest.

Definitely, and without devaluing the performance of small-scale bands, the competition among large-scale jazz bands was the highlight that day.

The chosen artist during the two days of the contest was the Cuban outstanding musician Chucho Valdés. He performed some pieces such as Claudia, Las Margaritas and Zanaith. Additionally, other contestants performed well-known jazz music pieces, such as Mambo Inn by Mario Bauzá, René Hernández and Bobby Woodlen, Equinox by John Coltrane, Actual proof by Herbie Hancock, Spain by Chick Corea, Solar by Miles Davis and Take five by Paul Desmond. The awards ceremony was held on November 24, 2019.