In Memoriam: Charles Flores

Cuban bassist Charles Flores has passed away, after a two year battle with cancer. Flores’ career included work with a host of Latin and jazz superstars including Michel Camilo, with whom he had played with since joining the pianist’s trio in 2002. It was with Camilo that Flores won a Grammy for the album Live at the Blue Note.

“It is with great sadness that I have to tell you all that my dear friend and long time bassist Charles Flores passed away last night after a two year battle with cancer,” Camilo announced on his Facebook page. “He will be so greatly missed, both as a wonderful human being and as a great bass player. He will live on the hearts of everyone who loved him.”

Flores got his first break in Cuba playing with Bobby Carcasses and soon was enlisted by renowned pianist Emiliano Salvador, who took him on tours through Europe and Latin America. Other artists the bassist performed with range from Paquito D’rivera, Steve Kahn, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Arturo Sandoval and Dave Valentin. Not just a sideman, he released his solo album Reminiscence in 2000.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Charles Flores.