Yilian Cañizares on Roots, Ritual, and the Road to Vitamina Y

Episode summaryViolinist–vocalist Yilian Cañizares joins Backstage Bay Area to talk about the musical DNA that powers her work—classical discipline, Afro-Cuban tradition, and the open-ended spirit of jazz. She reflects on the new single “Ore,” the cross-Atlantic pulse of “Habana-Bahia,” and the next chapters: a fall EP and her full-length album Vitamina Y. Along the way, Yilian opens up about freedom, ritual, collaboration, and how she wants audiences to feel when the trio takes the stage.GuestYilian Cañizares is a Havana-born, Switzerland-based artist known for fusing conservatory-level violin with Afro-diasporic rhythm and improvisation. A Montreux Jazz Festival awardee, she tours internationally with a trio featuring Childo Thomas (bass) and Inor Sotolongo (percussion).Highlights (no timestamps)The meaning of “freedom” in her music: composing, improvising, and singing from an honest place.The backstory of “Ore”: a gift from childhood friend Yasser “El Gozo” that reconnects her to Cuban roots and the diaspora.Crafting “Habana-Bahia” in Salvador, Brazil: sisterhood, women’s empowerment, and the Cuba–Bahia link through Africa.Why the trio format (violin/voice, bass, percussion) is the perfect vehicle for spontaneity and audience connection.Vitamina Y: the “vitamin people” who nourish her life and the album’s goal to uplift listeners.The rollout plan: “Vamos Florescer!” and more singles leading to the full album release.What to expect live at SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab: intimate room, evolving setlists, and early previews of new material.Music referenced in this episode (with permission)“Ore” (single)“Habana-Bahia” (title track from the 2023 project)“Vamos Florescer!” (from the forthcoming Vitamina Y rollout)Quotes “Jazz, for me, is freedom—the freedom to express how I feel in the moment and to share my vision of the world.”“Every song has to come from a place of honesty, where people can know my heart a little better.”“We want to deliver something unique every time we play.”LinksArtist website: yiliancanizares.comTickets: SFJAZZ.org → Joe Henderson Lab, Yilian Cañizares (Sept 25–26; 7:00 & 8:30 p.m.)Backstage Bay Area: BackstageBayArea.comCreditsHost & producer: Steven RobyAudio editing & post: Backstage Bay AreaArtwork/Photography: Frank SochaHashtags#YilianCañizares #VitaminaY #BackstageBayArea #AfroCubanJazz #JazzViolin #SFJAZZ #JoeHendersonLab #HabanaBahia #Ore #BayAreaMusicCall to actionIf you enjoyed this conversation, follow Backstage Bay Area on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating or short review—it helps more listeners discover the show.