For those who missed Arturo Sandoval's dazzling performance with the Utah Symphony last September, he's giving you a second chance.
The Cuban-born trumpeter will be heating up this frosty town with some sizzling jazz on Monday, Dec. 4, in a performance sponsored by the Jazz at the City Centre Sheraton series.
The performance, featuring the Arturo Sandoval Sextet, begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the City Centre Sheraton. Tickets may be obtained by calling the Holladay Pharmacy at 278-0411.
Winner of multiple Grammy Awards, Sandoval's ability traverses many styles. Ask him to name a favorite style, however, and he'll say be-bop — doubtless an influence from his friend and mentor, Dizzy Gillespie.
"I met Dizzy Gillespie in 1977 when he was in Cuba for the very first time," Sandoval recalled during a telephone interview from his home in Florida. "Believe me, this is one of the most important days of my life. We became friends — very good friends — right away, and I started playing with him after that.
"I never stopped playing with him until he passed away. I've got five records together with him. The thing that is most important is that when you have an opportunity to begin a good friendship with your hero, that's a special connection, a special relationship.
"I remember many things (about Gillespie), but one of the most important things I learned from him was his character, his personality. He had a big heart. He was a beautiful human being — beautiful."
Although Sandoval has adopted some of Gillespie's be-bop style, he has never limited himself. "I'm a big fan of be-bop; I love be-bop music," he said. "But the thing that's very true is that I enjoy all kinds of music.
"I'm also a composer, and I play different things — I play classical, I play jazz, I play Latin jazz. I played at the Super Bowl with Tony Bennet and Patti LaBelle. I've played with many symphony orchestras in the world.
"I have been playing music for 40 years."
During all of those years, Sandoval has never lost the joy of it all. "I enjoy every gig, every night so much," he said. I (recently) played in the school where I teach; it was a benefit to collect money for a non-profit organization. The audience was so receptive, so warm, and so involved in the music. I had a great time, a really great time.
"For me, every time I play, and the people really appreciate it, and get involved and respect what we do on stage, is a special moment."
Sandoval said he was looking forward to playing in Salt Lake City. "We'll play jazz, be-bop, Latin jazz, Cuban music, a little bit of funk, a little bit of ballads. (A little bit of) this and that," he promised.
E-MAIL: rcline@desnews.com