In early 2014, Denmark-based conga player and bandleader Eliel Lazo invented a concept he dubbed "Cuban Nights". The aim was to play and present new and authentic Cuban music on stages, including at the Copenhagen JazzHouse Montmartre. After many successful Cuban nights across the country and Europe with various resident and visiting Cuban musicians, Eliel decided to return to the original line-up. So, here's the dream team back together, including legendary pianist Javier "Caramelo de Cuba" Masso (Jerry Gonzalez, Enrique Morente, Diego El Cigala, Concha Buika), bassist Yasser Pino (The Afrocuban All Stars, The Latin Syndicate , Roberto) Fonseca), drum genius and Grammy winner Raul Pineda (Chucho Valdes, Eric Marienthal, Michel Camilo) and Eliel himself (The Cuban Funkmachine, Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdes, Richard Bona) heat up together. Recorded at the legendary Musigrama recording studio in Madrid.
Antonio Forcione is referred to as the Jimi Hendrix of acoustic guitar and his live energy has established him as one of the most cherished figures across the world. Touch Wood is a continuation of previous works, building an eclectic mix of Italian folk music with Brazilian, Spanish and Cuban sounds. Forcione enriches the experience by enlisting friends and musicians from across the globe. The album includes the outstanding title track, “Touch Wood,” an emotionally charged guitar workout, executed with Forcione’s effortless technique.