Newly Formed Group Receives Two Nominations!
On November 7, the Recording Academy announced its list of 2026 Grammy Nominees. We are thrilled to share that Paquito D’Rivera & Madrid-New York Connection Band’s first album, La Fleur de Cayenne, has been nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album (Category 34)!
This means we received two out of two nominations. The Latin Grammys on September 17 and the Grammys on November 7 for Best Latin Jazz Album!
About the Madrid-New York Connection Band
Paquito D’Rivera’s newly formed Madrid-New York Connection Band is an ensemble including Cuban expatriates and a Colombian vibraphonist who calls Spain home. They recorded their first album together, La Fleur de Cayenne, in Madrid in December 2024, with original songs by D’Rivera and Rivero.
D’Rivera and Rivero’s works were essential in the recording and mastering of the album.
About the Album
The group’s combined musical background expands beyond the traditional Latin genres. Their choice of repertoire, along with D’Rivera and Rivero’s own pieces, reflects this, starting with two of D’Rivera’s own compositions, “La Fleur de Cayenne”, a Venezuelan joropo, and “Vals Venezolano”.
Pepe Rivero’s “Paq-Man in La Pampa” leans into an Argentinian chacarera (folk dance). Later in the album, the work “Milonga Gris” by Argentinian musician Carlos Aguirre is adapted for a jazz quintet.
Cuban influences are felt with the inclusion of legendary pianist Bebo Valdes and his piece “Miriam”. Ernesto Lecuona, beloved Cuban composer, is included with two of his works: “Ante el Escorial” and “A la Antigua”. The album finishes with Italian film composer Ennio Morricone’s piece “Cinema Paradiso”.
Broadcast of the 2026 Grammy Awards
You can watch the 2026 Grammy Awards broadcast live on Sunday, February 1, on CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.
Read more about La Fleur de Cayenne.
