Sergio Cruz

The duo Ricardo Izquierdo and Sergio Gruz sensitively and intimately celebrate their Cuban and Argentinian roots through a free reinterpretation of emblematic songs.

Musicians don't choose each other, they recognise each other. Ricardo Izquierdo and Sergio Gruz know each other, they recognised each other. This Raices en Acuerdo project by the duo celebrates their roots.

The saxophonist of Cuban origin and the pianist of Argentinian origin draw from their respective musical roots.

Whether it's "Drume negrita", that Cuban children's song, "Llora", "Cartas de amor que se queman" or "La trunca norte" immortalised by Mercedes Sosa, these Cuban songs bathed in sweet nostalgia that sing of love's joys and disillusionments and pierce hearts.

Or whether it's "Soledad", that nocturne bathed in the dark light of melancholy by the master of tango Astor Piazzolla, Ricardo Izquierdo and Sergio Gruz have chosen the spirit rather than the letter for their reinterpretation. This quicksilver duo has the strength of obviousness.

The listening, the shared breathing, the collective stimulation, there is a connivance, a great complicity, even a fusion of intentions and gestures that carries the music to its incandescence. Franck Medoni (Jazz Magazine)