Javier R. Zalba Suárez, a distinguished Cuban saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, and composer, was born in Havana in 1955. He graduated in 1976 with a degree in clarinet from the National School of Arts (ENA) (120th Street between 9th and 13th Streets, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana); and in 1984 with a degree in flutism from the Ignacio Cervantes Professional Development School.

His professional career began as a clarinet teacher at the National School of Art (ENA) (120th Street between 9th and 13th Streets, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana). In 1978, he joined the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra, and in 1980, he collaborated with the group of pianist Felipe Dulzaides.

Javier R. Zalba founded the pianist José María Vitier’s group in 1984, and in 1988 he joined the group Irakere, led by maestro Chucho Valdés. In 1991 he joined Bobby Carcassés’ Afrojazz group, and in 1993 he joined the Tropicana Cabaret Orchestra (Calle 72 No. 4504, Marianao, Havana), as well as the Oru group led by guitarist Sergio Vitier.

In 1997, he joined the Cubanismo group led by trumpeter Jesús Alemañy and created the group Temperamento with pianist Roberto Fonseca. In 2000, he joined the orchestra led by Buena Vista Social Club singer Ibrahim Ferrer.

Zalba has taught saxophone at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana (Calle Rastro No. 1, Habana Vieja, Havana) and has taught classes at the popular music workshop of the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) (Calle 120 No. 1110 between 9th and 13th, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana). He has written three books: two on Cuban popular music, Saxsoneando and Flutesoneando; and Estudios de técnica diaria para saxophone (Studies of Daily Technique for Saxophone), in addition to publishing works of Cuban popular music and chamber music.

He has conducted popular music workshops in Barranquilla, Colombia (2000), the Rhythmic Conservatory of Copenhagen, Denmark (2003), the Liceo de Barcelona (El Aula) 2004, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London (2004), and Montreaux, Switzerland, within the framework of the Jazz Festival (2005).

Throughout his career, Javier R. Zalba has combined his musical work with chamber music and participating in various concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra. He has toured internationally, performing at the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals and major jazz clubs. He has recorded albums with national and international artists, as well as composed incidental music for theater and film.