Meet the Grantees Emilio Solla

Latin GRAMMY winner and six-time GRAMMY nominee Emilio Solla makes unique work at the intersection of tango and jazz. As a pianist, he has performed with numerous luminary artists—from Paquito D’Rivera and Yo-yo Ma, to Arturo O’Farrill and Edmar Castañeda. He is a prolific arranger and composer, appearing on more than 50 albums, including 15 of his own.  

In 2012, he formed the nine-piece group, La Inestable de Brooklyn, which released its debut album in 2014. In 2023, he was awarded a New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America to develop new work for the group. The result is an astounding new record, Handmade—out Friday, March 13 and featuring nine of Solla’s original compositions. On Thursday, March 12, the group celebrates the album release with a performance at Dizzy’s at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

“Handmade is an apologia of the tactile,” writes Solla in the album’s press release. “We are moving further away from the act of grabbing a pencil to write music, a brush to paint, a book to read. I celebrate the lives of the artists, my peers, who spend endless hours in search of their own sound by playing, blowing, hitting. This is the life of the shoemaker, the farmer, the dancer, a midwife, an oarsman. We are what we do, and what we make.” 

We spoke to Solla about the upcoming album, his influences, and creating handmade music.  

Handmade opens with “Suite de los Abrazos (A Hugging Suite).” Can you tell us about what inspired this three-part suite? 

This Suite evokes different moments and emotional states from the 2020 pandemic. It is funny, because I very seldom write music guided by a previous narrative. I never want or need my music to “mean” anything specifically, and I prefer to leave that open to the listener. This time however, there is a structure that walks you through certain feelings and moments related to those days. 

Can you talk about an important mentor or inspiration for you? 

Oh, many! Here in the US, both Paquito D’Rivera and Arturo O’Farrill have supported my music and opened doors for me. As a composer, I’m inspired by Astor Piazzolla and Egberto Gismonti, and as a pianist [Keith] Jarret. 

What does your process look like when writing for the nine-piece La Inestable de Brooklyn ensemble?  

First there is an idea… actually, there are usually many ideas! But a few of them persist in calling your attention—they come back humming, or waking you up softly in the morning— so you suspect they have something to say, and you meet them at the piano at some point, and then the process begins. You explore the idea, ask it questions, have coffee with it, lose time together, let it unveil and reveal what it is. The more you let the idea gain control, the more the piece will stand on its own, and maybe you will learn something about yourself in that process. If you work this way, the real “you” will be better represented with less “noise” from your fears, prejudices, preconceptions, etc. As [Jorge Luis] Borges would put it, the work might “bring you surprising news about yourself”.  

Are there any other upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?  

Certainly! I am making a new duo album with Antonio Lizana this summer in California. We are still discussing the proportions of tango, flamenco, and jazz the recipe will have. The Barcelona Clarinet Players will be recording a suite that I wrote for them this year. In March 2027, we bring Ritmo, our symphonic tribute to Chick Corea (Warner Music, 2023) to Jazz at Lincoln Center. The performance features Paquito D’Rivera with a full symphony orchestra, plus my trio with Jorge Roeder and Ferenc Nemeth on March 12 and 13! I can’t wait to play that music in New York and in such a significant hall. 

How has CMA helped you realize this project?   

CMA has provided funding for writing the music on Handmade. The grant has also contributed to expenses for recording and more. Projects like this would be almost impossible these days without CMA and the Doris Duke Foundation. I am forever grateful for everything you do for “handmade” music to stay alive! 

To learn more about Emilio Solla visit: emiliosolla.com

And don’t miss the album release show for HANDMADE on Thursday, March 12 at Dizzy’s at Jazz at Lincoln Center.