Donald Vega
Birth nameDonald Vega Gutierrez
Born (1974-07-23) July 23, 1974
Masaya, Nicaragua
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Piano
Websitewww.donaldvega.com

Donald Vega is a Nicaraguan-born American jazz pianist and music composer.

Early life

Vega was born in Masaya, Nicaragua, a town well known for its handicrafts. He was born with a severe cleft palate, for which he has had many surgeries to correct and save his hearing. He fled the country at the age of 15, arriving in Los Angeles in 1989.[1] In the late 1990s he was at risk of being returned to his native country as a consequence of the Immigration Reform Act of 1996. With the aid of friends and supporters, he is now a legal resident.[2]

Vega received his early education at Crenshaw High School. He is an alumnus of the Colburn School of the Performing Arts, University of Southern California, Manhattan School of Music, and the Juilliard School. He is currently a professor at the Juilliard School, living in New York City.[3]

Career

Some of his competitive winnings include The Los Angeles Music Center's Spotlight Award in 1991, Down Beat's 2007 Jazz Student Soloist Award and 1st place at the 2008 Philips Jazz Piano Competition at the University of West Florida, as well as an original composition featured in the CD accompanying JAZZIZ's October 2008 Education Issue.

Discography

As leader

  • As I Travel (2023)[4]
  • With Respect To Monty (2015)
  • Spiritual Nature (2012)
  • Tomorrows (2008)

As sideman

  • Kirk Edwards: The AKA Project (2022)
  • Eric Wyatt: A Song of Hope (2021)
  • Shirley Crabbe: Bridges (2018)
  • Dan Adler: Friends On The Moon (2018)
  • Ron Carter with Donald Vega & Russell Malone: Golden Striker (Live at Theaterstubchen Kassel) (2017)
  • Brandon Lee: Common Thread (2017)
  • Letizia Gambi: Blue Monday (2016)
  • Clarence Penn: Monk: The Lost Files (2014)
  • Lauren Meccia: Inside Your Eyes (2014)
  • Jason Stewart: Cyclicality (2013)
  • Ron Carter Trio: Cocktails At The Cotton Club (2012)
  • Clifton Anderson: And so We Carry On (2012)
  • Bryan Carter: Enchantment (2011)
  • Claudio Roditi: Bons Amigos (2011)
  • Shirley Crabbe: Home (Produced by Donald Vega) (2011)
  • Behn Gillece and Ken Fowser: Duotone (2011)
  • Village Orchestra Playaz, Alfredo Rivera & DJK: Black Maya Voodo (2010)
  • Karen Francis: Nostalgia (2010)
  • Brandon Lee: Absolute-lee (2010)
  • Bennie Wallace: Disorder at the Border (2007)
  • Anthony Wilson: Power of Nine (2007)
  • Ryan Cross and Lorca Hart: Cross Hart Jazz Experience (2006)
  • Justo Almario: Love Thy Neighbor (2004)
  • Jose Rizo's Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars: The Last Bull Fighter 2004
  • Francisco Aguabella: Ochimini (2004)
  • Al McKibbon: Black Orchid (2003)
  • Ronald Muldrow: Mapenzi 2003
  • Francisco Aguabella: Cubacan (2002)
  • Francisco Aguabella: Agua de Cuba (1999)
  • Anthony Wilson: Adult Themes (1999)

References

  1. ↑ Cathers, William. Inspirational Journal (PDF).
  2. ↑ Heckman, Don (December 12, 2001). "Vega and Group Prove Fluent in Latin". L.A. Times. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
  3. ↑ Blanco, Edward. "Cd Review: Donald Vega". Retrieved January 17, 2009.
  4. ↑ Enright, Ed (December 2023). "Donald Vega: As I Travel". DownBeat. Vol. 90, no. 12. p. 73.
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