Arturo Sandoval - Sangu (Album)
As the son of Cuban immigrants, working with Arturo Sandoval meant far more to me than just another project. Like my parents and grandparents, Arturo fled Cuba in search of a better life. To spend time documenting one of the greatest musicians our country has ever produced felt like an ode to my family's journey as much as it did to my general love of jazz.
I was brought in to photograph and film the recording of Sangu, capturing not only Arturo, but many of the world-class musicians who joined him in the studio. Everyone referred to him simply as Maestro, and it was immediately obvious why. Watching him lead the room with such joy, precision, and generosity was a gift I will never take for granted.
Witnessing Arturo work was like documenting a master at work. The camera became less about directing moments and more about recognizing them as they happened.
I photographed and filmed the recording sessions, edited a series of films and social pieces, and had a selection of my photographs featured in a booklet included with the Sangu vinyl release. The album went on to become a chart-topping jazz record.
