Biography
Daniel Amat
Daniel Amat, a Cuban pianist born in a small town of Havana called Güira de Melena, grew up surrounded by the rhythms and harmonies of his native Cuba. From a very young age he was influenced by his father Francisco “Pancho” Amat, one of the most important tres players of all times, who passed him the tradition of son, trova, and rumba. While pursuing his formal studies at the National School of Music in Havana, Daniel came in contact with classical music, jazz, and the music of Latin-American composers.
Daniel graduated from the National School of Music receiving a degree of classical pianist and professor. All of this allows Daniel to have a unique and authentic style where a fusion can be found between the formal elements of structure, the balance of classical music and the freedom of harmonies and styles of jazz reminding us of Oscar Peterson or Art Tatum among others. Nevertheless, his music is completely dedicated to the main genres of Cuban music such as Son, Changüi, Guaguancó, and Danzón. Even though Daniel is influenced by the contemporary influences of the music of today, his style is deeply based on the roots of Cuban music thus creating a unique and authentic musical language.
Daniel has pursued his career internationally, appearing in prestigious venues throughout the world. His debut CD “El Piano Que Llevo Dentro (The Piano Inside of Me)” received the 2005 Cubadisco prize in the Instrumental music category. Currently, Daniel resides in Bilbao, Spain, where he has been described by the critics as "one of the great pianists of universal jazz" and categorized by the prestigious magazine, DownBeat Magazine, as "One of the Best Latin Jazz Pianists," characterized by his own authentic style.
In his professional career, he has released 6 albums, each of which has received different awards. With his first album, " El Piano Que Llevo Dentro," he won the Cuban music contest "Cubadiscos," receiving two awards: “Best Debut Album” and “Best Instrumental Music”. The album also features renowned icons of Latin Jazz such as Tata Güines (on Congas), Jose Luis Quintana, alias Changó (on Timbales), and his father Pancho Amat (on the Cuban Tres).
In his second album, "Bilbao La Habana Y Vuelta," he collaborates with the master Chucho Valdés in a piano duet, leaving behind this important document for history. It's worth noting that this album was nominated for the Grammy Awards.
He participated alongside the famous actor and director Andy Garcia in the premiere of the documentary about the life of the double bassist Israel “Cachao” López in Hollywood.
With his project "The Classical Side of Cuban Music," he catches the attention of the renowned magazine DownBeat, which categorizes him as " One of the Best Latin Jazz Pianists of The Moment."
In 2010, he records an album with his father, Pancho Amat, who is recognized as "The Best Tresero in the World," titled "Playing Son in Another Jazz," which once again receives praise at various festivals worldwide such as the Java Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Ocean Beach Jazz Festival, Martinique Jazz Festival, and more. He also performs concerts in various countries.
He has shared the stage with musicians like Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Carlos Santana, Arturo Sandoval, Chucho and Bebo Valdés, Roy Hargrove, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Joey DeFrancesco among others.
In 2024, Daniel releases a vinyl record titled “Una Parte De Mi”, which is a compilation of his first two CDs.
Discography
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El Piano Que Llevo Dentro
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Bilbao La Habana Vuelta
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Haciendo Son en Otro Jazz
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Hermano
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Daniel Amat Big Band
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Pianissimo
