Jazz Bassist Flores, Hartford Resident, Dies At 41
Charles Flores, a Grammy-winning jazz bassist who was born in Cuba but made his home in Hartford for more than two decades, died Wednesday at age 41.
The cause was complications related to throat cancer, according to bandleader and composer Michel Camilo, who performed with Flores and counted him as a close friend.
Flores had an “unforgettable smile," said Camilo, reached at his New York home. He was “truly gifted with a unique musical sensibility as well as a profound knowledge of the Latin rhythms and the jazz tradition."
Born in Cuba in 1970, Flores left as a refugee and came to Hartford, where his wife, Miriam Flores, had roots.
“Charles' story of leaving his native Cuba to pursue his dream and passion for music was only surpassed by his talent and skill as a musician," Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra said on Saturday. “Hartford has lost a giant in the world of jazz and my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Flores family."
