Bassist, guitarist and composer Juan Carlos Formal Alfonso died this Friday at the age of 59 in New York from complications of a heart attack during a presentation by the van van, at the Lehman Center, loud Cuban Institute of Music.
A video recorded during this Friday’s concert shows the moment the musician leaves his instrument and the stage, just before disappearing between the side curtains, falling to the ground and having to be assisted by support staff.
As of the time of writing this note, Los Van Van has not commented nor has the family spoken.
Formally Alfonso was born in Havana in 1964 and resided in new York From 1993; A few years ago he started playing bass for Los Van Van, the group founded and directed by his father, the Maestro Juan Formal.
He studied music at the Alejandro García Caturla and Amadeo Roldán Conservatories in Havana and graduated from the National Art School of Cuba. His talent as an accompanying instrumentalist has enabled him to work with renowned figures of Cuban jazz such as Emiliano Salvador, Guillermo Fragoso and Joseíto González, leader of the iconic Rumbavana Orchestra.
In 1999 he released his debut album titled “Songs from a Little Blue House” under the American record label Wicklow Records. This production received a nomination for the Grammy Awardsthereby cementing his position as a talented and versatile artist.
Over the course of his career, he recorded five record productions that stood out for their unique style and impact on the music scene.
He leaves behind his partner, also a musician Danae Blanco Villanuevaas well as the brothers Samuel and Vanessa Formal.