Yorgis Goiricelaya

Yorgis Goiricelaya

Professional Pianist | Bassist | Composer | Arranger | Producer | Musical Director

Latin Jazz & Cuban Music Specialist

Professional Summary

Yorgis Goiricelaya is a Cuban musician, pianist, bassist, composer, arranger, producer, and musical director born in Colón, Matanzas, Cuba. With a career that spans several decades and multiple countries, he has established himself as a versatile and highly respected figure in Cuban music, Latin jazz, salsa, and contemporary Latin music.

His musical journey began at the age of eight as a pianist. From a very young age, he became involved with local musical groups in Cuba, developing a strong foundation in Cuban popular music, rhythm, harmony, and ensemble performance. This early experience shaped his musical identity and prepared him for an international career as both a performer and creator.

Over the years, Yorgis has become known for his ability to move naturally between piano, bass, composition, arrangement, production, and musical direction. His work combines Cuban musical tradition, Latin jazz sophistication, rhythmic power, and a modern approach to arrangement and performance.

Early Career and Musical Development

Yorgis Goiricelaya began his professional development in Cuba before moving to Costa Rica to continue expanding his artistic path. In 1997, he began working professionally with orchestras in the capital city of Costa Rica, quickly becoming part of the local music scene.

During this period, he also studied double bass at the University of Costa Rica, which allowed him to broaden his musical language and strengthen his understanding of harmony, rhythm, accompaniment, and orchestral performance. His training as both a pianist and bassist gave him a unique perspective as an arranger and musical director.

This combination of instrumental skill, academic study, and professional stage experience helped him connect with high-level musicians and musical projects, establishing him as a versatile and reliable artist.

Conjunto Chocolate

In 2000, Yorgis founded Conjunto Chocolate, one of the most recognized Cuban music groups in Costa Rica. As the group’s pianist, arranger, and manager, he played a key role in shaping its musical identity and public success.

With Conjunto Chocolate, he recorded two successful albums and gained widespread popularity within the Cuban and Latin music scene in the country. The group became known for its energy, authenticity, and strong connection to Cuban dance music traditions.

This project marked an important stage in Yorgis’ career, allowing him to develop not only as a performer, but also as a leader, arranger, producer, and musical entrepreneur.

Solo Career and Artistic Growth

In 2004, Yorgis released his first solo album, Abriendo Caminos. The album was recognized by critics for its artistic ambition and for showcasing his command as a composer, arranger, and instrumentalist.

Through this production, Yorgis presented a more personal musical voice, blending Cuban roots with jazz influences, modern harmonies, and sophisticated arrangements. Abriendo Caminos represented an important step in his evolution as an artist and opened the door to new creative opportunities.

Miami Career and International Collaborations

Since 2005, Yorgis has been based in Miami, Florida, one of the most important centers for Latin music in the United States. In Miami, he has continued to expand his career as a performer, arranger, producer, bassist, and musical director.

Throughout his work in Miami, he has shared stages and recording sessions with internationally recognized artists and has participated in productions nominated for and awarded Grammy and Latin Grammy recognition.

His professional experience includes work in live concerts, studio recordings, musical productions, television performances, and major international projects. His ability to perform at a high level in different musical settings has made him a valuable collaborator within the Latin music industry.

Latin Jazz and the Album Elegance

In 2010, Yorgis released his second solo album, Elegance, a project centered on Latin jazz. The album featured the participation of recognized musicians and special guests of international prestige.

With Elegance, Yorgis further developed his identity as a composer and arranger, presenting music that blends Cuban rhythm, jazz harmony, improvisation, and refined instrumental performance. The album reflects his artistic maturity and his deep understanding of Latin jazz as both a traditional and modern musical language.

Producer, Musical Director, and Bassist

Between 2014 and 2020, Yorgis consolidated his role as a producer, musical director, and bassist in important musical projects. During this period, he collaborated on major productions with artists such as Albita, Oscar D’León, and Tony Succar.

His work during this stage contributed to projects of international importance, including Grammy and Latin Grammy-recognized productions. In 2019, he was part of a Grammy-winning project, further confirming his place among leading musicians and producers in the Latin music industry.

As a bassist and musical director, Yorgis is recognized for his strong rhythmic foundation, musical intelligence, leadership, and ability to support both singers and instrumentalists with precision and creativity.

Recent Projects

Between 2021 and 2024, Yorgis served as musical director for the show Cuba Under the Stars, a major production that highlighted the richness, energy, and cultural depth of Cuban music.

He also released the live album Blackroom Sessions, a project that reaffirmed his artistic maturity and international projection. This work reflects his continued commitment to musical excellence, live performance, and the development of new creative concepts rooted in Cuban and Latin music.

Core Expertise

• Cuban music and Latin jazz

• Piano performance and accompaniment

• Electric bass and double bass performance

• Musical direction and ensemble leadership

• Arranging and composition

• Music production and recording

• Salsa, timba, son, and contemporary Latin styles

• Jazz harmony and improvisation

• Live performance and studio work

• Development of musical concepts for bands, shows, and productions

Artistic Profile

Yorgis Goiricelaya is recognized for his:

• Versatility as a pianist, bassist, arranger, composer, and producer

• Deep knowledge of Cuban music and Latin jazz

• Strong rhythmic sense and harmonic sophistication

• Experience in Grammy and Latin Grammy-recognized productions

• Leadership as a musical director

• Ability to blend tradition, modern sound, and high-level musicianship

• Professionalism in both live performance and studio production

His career represents a powerful combination of Cuban musical roots, international experience, creative leadership, and artistic evolution. Through his work as a performer, arranger, producer, and musical director, Yorgis continues to contribute to the global development and appreciation of Cuban music, Latin jazz, and contemporary Latin music.

Current Role

Instructor

Latin Music Mastery

At Latin Music Mastery, Yorgis Goiricelaya shares his professional experience and musical knowledge with students around the world. His teaching offers valuable insight into Cuban music, Latin jazz, accompaniment, improvisation, arrangement, rhythm, and the role of the musician in both live and studio settings.

Through his lessons, students can learn not only technical concepts, but also the musical vision, discipline, and cultural understanding required to perform Latin music with authenticity and professionalism.