Yainer Horta

Yainer Horta on the HR* mouthpieces

"It was love at first note. As soon as I played JodyJazz HR soprano and tenor 7* I knew that I found what I had been long searching for. The versatility and flexibility of the HR models are so unique and effective for the player that it gives me that big, warm and joyful sound without sacrificing pitch or control. I am very grateful to Jody Espina and his wonderful team for making JodyJazz mouthpieces a dream come true for saxophonist like myself."

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Yainer Horta Biography

Yainer Horta (born September 10, 1982) is a Grammy-winning Cuban-born saxophonist, composer, arranger and music producer. In 2026, he won the Best Latin Jazz Album Grammy at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole, a collaborative album with multi-Grammy winner Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Grammy winner Joey Calveiro, in which Horta served as main artist, music producer, and sole arranger.

Early Life and Education

He developed his musical foundation at the Escuela Vocacional de Arte (EVA) and the Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA) in Havana. At age 16, he moved to the United States to study at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and later at Berklee College of Music.

Collaborations

Horta has recorded and toured with internationally acclaimed artists, including Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cheo Feliciano, Ricardo Arjona, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Juan Gabriel, Amaury Gutiérrez, Francisco Céspedes, Don Omar, Luis Enrique, Cristian Castro, Aymee Nuviola, Manuel Mijares, Olga Tañón, Arthur Hanlon, Carlos Vives, Alexis Valdés, David Torrens, Kelvin Ochoa, Miriam Stone, Gente de Zona, Malena Burke, Manuel Medrano, Andres Cepeda, Habón Abierta, Gema Corredera, Lucrecia, Tropicana All Star, Yotuel, Beatriz Luengo, among others.

Television and Music Direction

As a performer and music director, Horta has built a strong presence in television. He served as Music Director for the shows Esta Noche Tonight and El Arañazo, holding the latter position for five years, leading musical direction, arrangements, and live performances. He has also performed and directed music for renowned artists on major U.S. television programs, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Live with Kelly and Mark, and Good Morning America, as well as numerous national and international broadcasts, establishing a significant presence in the international Latin music scene.

Solo Work

Horta’s solo discography, including Así en Colores (2017), ESTACIONES (2020), A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole (2025), showcases his identity as a virtuoso soloist, versatile composer, distinctive arranger, and visionary music producer, seamlessly blending Cuban musical traditions with contemporary jazz and pop.

 

View Yainer Horta Website Here.

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