Cuban pianist, bandleader and composer Bebo Valdés has written the music for the new Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal-directed animated film Chico & Rita to open in cinemas nationwide on 19 November.

The veteran bandleader Valdés began his career as a pianist in the night clubs of Havana and in the 1950s was a pivotal figure in the development of the mambo with his batanga rhythm. Trueba won the best foreign film Oscar for Belle Époque in 1994 and a Bafta the following year. His work with designer and artist Mariscal began 10 years ago when he asked him to create a poster for the latin jazz documentary Calle 54 which also brought Belbo Valdes’ piano playing to prominence. Mariscal then designed all the artwork for Trueba’s Calle 54 Records as well as animated pop promos for the label. Chico & Rita is Trueba and Mariscal’s homage to the jazz and spirit of the age told through animation. One dramatic scene in the film features a portrayal of Chano Pozo at a jam session with Charlie Parker in New York.

The film recalls the Havana of 1948 and the 1950s as well as the mambo-crazy New York of the time, as well as Las Vegas, Hollywood and Paris in the period. It centres on the at-times impossible romance between young pianist Chico and amateur singer Rita who he meets during a night out on the town with his friend Ramón. Chico & Rita features Freddy Cole as the voice of his brother Nat King Cole and the soundtrack includes music by Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Freddy Cole, a frequent performer in the UK returns for dates at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in London on 29 and 30 September ahead of the film’s release.

– Stephen Graham