Bobby Ramirez "One of the top flutists in Afro-Cuban jazz" Jazz Flute in the Studio Show (3-24-2020 review by Journalist Scott Yanow) One of the top flutists in Afro-Cuban jazz, Bobby Ramirez was born and raised in Cuba and has been a major musician in the U.S. for the past few decades, blending together traditional Cuban dance music with jazz. He has released over 40 albums ranging from free jazz to classical music but all of it grounded in his Cuban background.     During this period of time when most music fans and musicians are confined to their homes, Bobby Ramirez has made available seven rather intriguing You Tube videos that feature him recording his latest project. Ramirez plays flute to a prerecorded rhythm section and takes some beautiful and inventive solos. On each video he talks to the viewers, enthusiastically explaining what he is doing.     The first episode has him performing Joe Henderson’s “Recorda Me,” playing a nonstop flow of creative ideas, taking some impressive double-time runs, and topping off the performance with a cadenza. #2 “This Is Dancing Music” is pretty extensive. Ramirez warms up for two minutes, playing some melodic phrases. Then he performs a few takes of the song, concluding with a satisfactory version. The third video, “A Night In Tunisia,” is particularly rewarding due to the obvious joy that he displays in his playing, some insightful comments, and lots of fine playing during his three versions of the song.     Each of the Bobby Ramirez performances are enjoyable including “Giant Steps” which features him stretching out on the John Coltrane classic for three takes, playing over a samba rhythm. “Dancing Flute,” “Bluesette,” and “Dancing Cha Cha” are equally rewarding and fun. While flute players can learn a bit by watching Ramirez improvise, non-musicians who enjoy Afro-Cuban jazz will find much to savor on these seven videos.     More information about Bobby Ramirez as a performing artist and teacher of Jazz improvisation and the flute can be found at www.maestrobobbyramirez.com; he also gives private music lessons via Skype and Facebook (www.facebook.com/cubanflutist/). Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian and author of 11 books More info at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Yanow http://www.scottyanow.com/ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/scott-yanow-mn0001078311 REVIEWS: "Bobby Ramirez is one of the best flutists and saxophonists from Cuba. His recording (Pan Con Bistec) is an example of a new and fresh sound in Latin Jazz fusion." Elvira Dominguez, El Diario La Prensa (NYC) Bobby Ramirez, included as "some of the most prominent Latin musicians who live or have lived in Florida." Bill Dean, The Ledger Lakeland Florida (published October 8th, 2002) "Ramirez's brand of Afro-Cuban Jazz is quite appealing and his flute playing is quite fluid and creative within the genre." Scott Yanow, Cadence magazine "What an incredible performance by Bobby Ramirez tonight at Arts Garage! Thank you for an exceptional and very memorable night." Alyona Aleksandra Ushe, Executive Director, The Arts Garage in Delray Beach Add your email address to get news on upcoming events and new music * Email Address