Juan Carlos Formell

New York, May 27 (RHC)-- Cuban bassist and guitarist Juan Carlos Formell, son of maestro Juan Formell, founder of the Los Van Van orchestra, died on Friday in New York, according to a note released by the Cuban Institute of Music.

The text explains that Juan Carlos died at the age of 59, as a result of a heart attack.

Born in Havana in 1964 and living in New York since 1993, Juan Carlos Formell studied music at the Alejandro García Caturla and Amadeo Roldán conservatories in the Cuban capital.

He completed his training at the Escuela Nacional de Arte de Cuba and stood out for his peculiar style as an instrumentalist accompanying several Cuban jazz figures such as Emiliano Salvador, Guillermo Fragoso and Joseito Gonzalez, director of the emblematic Rumbavana Orchestra.

In 1999 he conceived and recorded his debut album Songs from a Little Blue House, for the American record label Wicklow Records, a production that was nominated for the Granmy Awards, the text indicates.

Throughout his career, he recorded five albums and later joined Los Van Van, where he was the bassist until the time of his death.

During his work with this famous orchestra of Cuban popular music, he developed a commendable work, especially in the last years, under the direction of his brother Samuel Formell, and contributed decisively to keep alive the musical legacy of his father, the note said.

It also extended condolences on behalf of the Cuban Institute of Music to the musician's family and friends.     (Source:PL)