Sylvia Cuenca Trio
Jared Gold, organ; Ed Cherry, guitar; Sylvia Cuenca, drums

Monday, July 28 | 7:30 pm | Campbell Recital Hall
Tickets: $20 general | $10 students

Online:
By phone: 650.725.ARTS (2787); In Person: Stanford Ticket Office
For more information, go to our Ticketing Information Page

Program Notes

“Drummer Sylvia Cuenca might not be as publicly recognized as other sisters of the skins, such as Terri Lynne Carrington or Cindy Blackman, but she deserves to be. Equally creative behind a big band (like Frank Foster’s Loud Minority) or in a small group context, she is probably best known for her extended association with Jazzmaster Clark Terry.” – Cadence Magazine

San Jose native Sylvia Cuenca is known for the energy and versatility of her drumming. A graduate of San Jose City College, Sylvia moved to New York at the age of 21 to pursue a career in music. One of her first gigs after arriving in New York was a European tour with tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, which led to a four-year long stint as the drummer in his group. Since then, Sylvia has performed with a long list of prominent jazz artists, including Gary Bartz, George Cables, Jimmy Heath, Joshua Redman, Kenny Barron and Eddie Henderson. Perhaps Cuenca’s most significant collaboration so far has been her long association with trumpet icon Clark Terry. She has performed with Terry in the most prestigious international venues, and has taken the opportunity to learn from a true master of jazz. Sylvia also leads her own ensembles in and around New York, including a trio with guitarist Dave Stryker and organist Kyle Koehler, which can be heard on her most recent album, Exit 13 (Etoile Records).

Sylvia Cuenca web site

Music link

Q&A with Sylvia Cuenca

What is the first recording you remember hearing as a child?
There was always music on around the house, either from the radio or my father’s jazz collection. The first jazz recording I remember hearing was James Moody’s “Moody’s Mood for Love”.

What job would you have if you weren’t a jazz musician?
It’s hard to imagine not being a jazz musician, but I’m a big nature lover so I’d probably work in the wildlife or nature conservation field.

What’s the strangest experience you’ve ever had on the bandstand?
This isn’t that strange, but it sure was shocking. One night, I was playing at the Village Vanguard with Clark Terry. I turned around and seated right behind me were Max Roach, Roy Haynes and Louis Hayes!!! They all sat-in!!!

What’s the most exotic place you’ve traveled to as a musician?
The Canary Islands.

What’s the last book you’ve read?
Real Estate Investing by Robert Kiyosaki.

What’s your favorite jazz venue?
The Village Vanguard. I love the sound there.

Who is your greatest musical influence?
My father was my first musical influence. He’s a guitarist and he introduced me to jazz at an early age. After that, I’d say Max, Philly, Roy, Bird, Dizzy, Miles, Coltrane.....too many influences to name here.