Paquito & Anne- Latino Business Creative Collaboration [podcast]
An engaging discussion about the Latino collaborative spirit, the search for opportunity, and the deep Hispanic culture roots.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting in New York City for our Cafecito with Latin Biz Today podcast alongside two legendary musicians: the multi-Grammy-winning musician Paquito D’Rivera and the brilliant composer, lyricist, and vocalist Anne Phillips.
We convened for this special interview to celebrate the upcoming 40th anniversary of Anne’s collaborative masterpiece, Bending Towards the Light; A Jazz Nativity, a landmark holiday tradition in NYC that stands as a musical tribute to creative partnership and entrepreneurial drive. Our discussion was filled with so many heartwarming moments between the two musical geniuses as well insight into the business of creativity, the price of artistic freedom, and the influence of Latin American music on the global stage.
Rules Before Rebellion
Paquito, with his blend of warmth and intellect shared the influence that his father, Tito D’Rivera, had on his early musical journey, underscoring that our earliest mentors often provide the foundation for our creative endeavors.
Paquito also emphasized that true freedom in expression isn’t born from ignorance; it’s the reward earned after deep understanding and mastery of the fundamentals. He drew an interesting parallel between creating music and culinary arts. He explained that just as a chef must master the fundamentals before innovating, a musician must first master the rules of music. This is a critical lesson for any Hispanic entrepreneur: know the rules and master your industry’s fundamentals before you try to disrupt it.
From Irakere to Exile
Our conversation naturally turned to Paquito’s role as a founding member of the revolutionary Cuban band, Irakere that truly “broke the rules”. Founded in 1973 by Paquito, Chucho Valdés, and others, Irakere was more than just a band; it was a musical laboratory that blended Afro-Cuban music, jazz improvisation, rock, bebop, and classical elements. This innovative fusion was groundbreaking, placing the group at the center of modern Cuban music and influencing global Latin jazz forever.
This creative narrative quickly shifted to the deeply personal story of his 1980 defection from Cuba. Paquito spoke of the emotional toll of separation from his wife and son. His journey serves as a reminder that for many in the Latin American business community, success isn’t just about profit—it’s about seeking basic socio-political freedom and opportunity. We discussed the implications of Cuba’s climate, which continues to fuel significant emigration, turning personal sacrifice into a shared experience for millions.
Jazz as Community
Anne Phillips brought her own unique perspective to our conversation, emphasizing the necessity of diverse narratives in music education. She stressed that collaboration is the engine of the jazz community.
She also reminded us that music isn’t just knowing the notes but understanding the story behind them. Anne and Paquito reminisced about their successful collaboration on Jazz Nativity from prior years, an event that perfectly encapsulates the balance between raw creativity and technical skill. Like any great business partnership, they find the sweet spot between the structure of a composition and the exciting unpredictability of improvisation. This balance is crucial: be agile enough to improvise, but skilled enough to ensure the “music” doesn’t fall apart.
Paquito also touched on the stark differences in music education across countries, noting the powerful emotional connection created when an audience understands the lyrics and the context of a song. From a business perspective, this translates directly to marketing and messaging: how well are you connecting your product’s story to your audience?
Culture, Opportunity and the Jazz Spirit
Our discussion was an engaging one about collaborative spirit, the search for opportunity, and the deep roots of culture. Don’t miss the full Cafecito with Latin Biz Today episode, where Paquito and Anne share more about the improvisational nature of jazz, the importance of education, and the beautiful culmination of their work in the upcoming Jazz Nativity event.
Watch the full episode now to hear these insights directly and fuel your own entrepreneurial journey!
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