Piloto Y Klimax to Play Harris Center, 10/19

The fourth and final international treat that has made up the Four Slices of Cuba Series at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom over the last few months is also one of the most sophisticated pop bands in Cuban history. Giraldo Piloto and his band Klimax are some of the pioneers of the immensely popular Cuban music and dance craze, Timba, where the band blends local Cuban music with international influences such as jazz, rock and hip-hop.

The most original of timba bands, Klimax is a project created by Giraldo Piloto, descendant of a long line of famous Cuban composers and musicians. Piloto was founding member of the first timba musical group, NG La Banda, and when the Charanga Habanera was thrust to stardom, it was he who composed their first hit: "Me Sube la Fiebre." In January 1995 Giraldo Piloto decided to form his own ensemble and in April of that same year Klimax appeared for the first time in the famous Quinta Avenida La Cecilia nightclub, thus initiating a consistent, proven career for over 17 years.

Piloto has toured and performed all over the world including Canada, France, Italy, UK, Lima Peru, Cali Colombia and more, where he is highly respected among drummers, percussionists, fans, and music enthusiasts, yet he has not performed in the United States.He is debuting his group "Piloto Y Klimax" in the USA on this tour

Piloto Y Klimax will perform Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 7 pm. Tickets are priced at $19-$29; Premium $39; Students with ID $12. Tickets are available online at www.harriscenter.net or from the Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Parking is included in the price of the ticket. Harris Center is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

Giraldo Piloto, nephew of the Grand Percussionist Guillermo Barreto, recognizes his uncle's style as his principal influence and the fundamental formula of his music. Its music that has its ingredients in jazz mode with touches of pop, rap, and funk, without leaving behind the island music and the principal routes of "El Son." All that is introduced is of the typical Timbero sound. It is mixed well until it combines into all those rhythms and then becomes what is known today as Klimax.

Piloto has defined his music as a Progressive Son. That and much more are what make Klimax under the command of Giraldo Piloto so special, differentiating from the rest (without forgetting his right-hand man Ysef Diaz on keyboard and arranger).

Piloto, who graduated as a percussionist from The School of National Art in 1980, initiated his professional career as a percussionist of the Cabaret "Tropicana." It was one of the best schools to nurture and encourage Piloto's abilities. It was also where he displayed his talent as a musician, arranger and composer of various Cuban formations.

His most splendid achievement as a musician was in 1988 when he formed a union with other Masters of Music, NG La Banda, the orchestra of Jose Luis Cortes, one of the most important pioneers of the designated Timba. It is while being with this orchestra that he created themes for Isaac Delgado, and later the recording "Dando La Hora," for which he received the Egrem Prize. Three of his compositions were converted to great hits on radio and television.

In 1992 Giraldo Piloto decided to join with the talented singer, Isaac Delgado, and assumed the position of Musical Director. After years of intense artistic labor as a musician, director and composer, they created a musical production of the recording "Con Ganas," in 1994. These works achieved the Grand Prize Egram in 1994.

1995 marked the year Giraldo Piloto's experiences and efforts, as well as his artistic maturity, combined to form Klimax. It was created by musicians with proven talent, especially a young generation of graduates from schools of art, and from various different Cuban orchestras. The rest is history today.

Klimax is synonymous with good music and has more than five recordings, such as one in Latin Jazz, and a DVD Live that can now be purchased. This group can most certainly be sure that not only will they'll be around forever in the hearts of their fans all over the world, but also in the hearts of Cuban music.

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