Arturo O'Farrill Joins the Blue Note Family of Universal Music Group; New Music Project in the Works and Discussions on Future Endeavors Ensue
Arturo O'Farrill, a five-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist and the associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, is set to release his latest album titled "Mundoagua". This upcoming release is the latest from Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, due out in 2025.
The album, set to be released on Blue Note Records, was written for a Cuban dance company named Malpaso. While the specific thematic inspiration behind "Mundoagua" is not explicitly detailed, Arturo O'Farrill's work often reflects deep cultural and social themes rooted in Afro-Latin jazz traditions and historical contexts. This can be seen in his previous works like Cuba – The Conversation Continues, which was inspired by the reestablishment of U.S.-Cuba diplomatic ties.
In addition to the new album, Arturo O'Farrill is also making strides in music education. The Afro-Latin Music and Arts Center (ALMA), to be operated by the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA), will be built in East Harlem, New York. This 16,000 square foot center will host professional music performances and offer free or affordable music education to people of all ages.
Meanwhile, at UCLA, the Anti-Racism Action Committee is taking action to address issues of institutionalized racism. The committee plans to hold regular forums and monthly events for the UCLA community, issue a public report and recommendations, and work closely with the Dean's Office to implement them. The committee's Still Waiting Speaker Series will continue and feature recognized national leaders addressing issues related to institutionalized racism in academia, particularly in higher music education.
Arturo O'Farrill's upcoming tour throughout California in October includes a performance at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where he will collaborate with Dr. Cornel West to perform "Four Questions" with his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Beyond music, Arturo O'Farrill is also working on an opera called Lucero. He is also releasing two vinyl projects, "The Centennial Suites" and "Love and Resilience". The project will also provide nearly 600 new affordable homes to the neighborhood of East Harlem.
For more information about the ALMA Center, visit the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance's website. For details about the event at The Kennedy Center, visit The Kennedy Center's website.
[1] Source: Arturo O'Farrill's official website [4] Source: All About Jazz
- Arturo O'Farrill's latest album, "Mundoagwa," isn't just entertainment, it's also a platform for learning about deep cultural and social themes rooted in Afro-Latin jazz traditions and historical contexts.
- Outside of music, Arturo O'Farrill is committed to education and self-development, as evidenced by his work on the Afro-Latin Music and Arts Center (ALMA) in East Harlem, New York, which will offer free or affordable music education to people of all ages.
