UPCOMING

2024 SPECIAL ELECTION EVENT

First Fireside chat with with former EU Ambassador Andrew Standley

U.S. Elections: Threat to U.S.-EU Alliance

The United States and the European Union account for 45 percent of the global economy. They share free markets, democratic values, a military alliance, and $1.5 trillion in annual trade. However, the transatlantic partnership is challenged by U.S. threats of economic nationalism (“America First”), lack of commitment to addressing climate change, and the U.S. shift in focus from Europe to Asia. As a result, the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could be more consequential for Europe than ever before. Ambassador Standley will discuss the EU, its origins, its strengths and weaknesses, and what is at stake for it on November 5, 2024, Election Day. Will the transatlantic relationship thrive or wither?

About the Speaker

Born in the UK, Andrew Standley worked for more than 30 years for the European Union, serving as EU ambassador to Bolivia, Israel and Mexico. Prior to his career with the EU, he worked for the United Nations and in the New Hebrides in the lead-up to its independence. He obtained his B.A. from Cambridge University and his M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University. He is now happily retired in Marin County.

abeo String quartet FEATURING Njioma Chinyere Grevious

Music and Minds - rising Stars Series

Njioma CHINYERE Grevious( violin), Rebecca Benjamin (violin), James Kang (viola) and Macintyre Taback (cello)

The Abeo Quartet, formed at Juilliard in 2018, was the inaugural Graduate String Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware under the mentorship of the Calidore String Quartet from 2021-2023. Having played at the Kennedy Center and was the string quartet in residence at Caramoor Music Festival, Abeo's recent accomplishments include Third Prize at the 2023 Bad Tölz International String Quartet Competition, making the semi-finals at the 2023 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition and being among ten quartets invited to participate in the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition in 2022. The quartet was also a First Prize and Audience Favorite Prize winner in the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition for Emerging Professional Ensembles and Silver Medal winner of the Chesapeake International Chamber Music Competition, both in 2022. Additionally, Abeo was a finalist in the 2021 Young Concert Artists International Competition and the silver medal winner of the 2019 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.

ABOUT NIJOMA CHINYERE GREVIOUS

 Described as “superb” by the Chicago Classical Review, violinist Njioma Chinyere Grevious is an emerging, passionate and versatile solo, chamber and orchestral musician and performer. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School and a winner of its John Erskine Prize for scholastic and artistic achievement, and in 2024 was awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant. In 2023, Njioma won the Grand Prize of the Concert Artist Guild (CAG) and the Young Classical Artist Trust (YCAT) CAG Elmaleh Competition, as well as the Robert F. Smith First Prize and the Audience Choice awards in the Senior Division of the Sphinx Competition.  In 2022, she was the winner of concerto competitions at the University of Delaware and the Newark Symphony Orchestra. Njioma was also a winner of the Music Academy of the West Keston-Max Fellowship to study and perform in the London Symphony Orchestra in November 2022.  She won First Prizes for Performance and Interpretation in the 2018 Prix Ravel in Fontainebleau, France.

Njioma recently appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap, earning praise for a “dazzling performance.” During the upcoming 2024/25 season Njioma will debut as a soloist at Carnegie Hall with the Sphinx Virtuosi. She will also appear with the Florence Symphony, in a return to the Chicago Philharmonic and in recitals across the country that include the Strathmore Mansion, Cal Performances, the Mesa Arts Center, Kaufman Music Center, Pepperdine and the Seattle Chamber Music Society. In the spring, she will undertake a UK tour including a debut concert at Wigmore Hall in London. Njioma has previously appeared with the Boston Pops, Minnesota Orchestra, Western Michigan Symphony and the Salisbury Symphony, among others.

A founding member of the Abeo Quartet, Njioma recently completed graduate studies with Ryan Meehan and the Calidore String Quartet at the University of Delaware where she was also a fellow in the inaugural Graduate String Quartet in Residence Program. Abeo is the Third Prize winner of the 2023 Bad Tölz International String Quartet Competition. In 2022, Abeo won First Prize and the Audience Favorite Prize at the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition and was invited to participate in the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition.  The quartet was also a finalist in the 2022 Young Concert Artists competition and has been a winner of Silver Medals in the Chesapeake International and Fischoff chamber music competitions. Abeo has appeared on WQXR Midday Masterpieces and WETA Classical Radio as well as in performances in the Schneider Concert Series, Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, Emerald City Music, in Montreal, and Oslo, Norway, and in residence at the Glenstone Museum, where they premiered “Moonshot” by Alistair Coleman.  At Juilliard, the quartet studied under the tutelage of the Juilliard String Quartet and has also been coached by members of the Alban Berg, Quatuor Ebene, Takács, Artemis, Brentano, Miró and Emerson quartets. 

  Njioma is a member of New York City’s Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. She has been invited to perform in numerous series and festivals including the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla ChamberFest, Jupiter Chamber Players, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, North Shore Chamber Music Festival, Chiarina Chamber Players, CMSCV, ChamberFest Cleveland, Music@Menlo, Perlman Chamber Music Workshop, Juilliard String Quartet Seminar, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Montreal International String Quartet Academy, Meadowmount, Fontainebleau Schools, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

IAN MAKSIN "SONGS OF THE VAGABOND CELLO 2024 TOUR"

SaT. DEc 28th

In this amazing musical voyage across time and space in 37 languages, Maksin will take you across the Sahara deserts and Mongolian steppes, the mountains of the Balkans and the Caucasus, and the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean Sea alike. He magically connects some of the most diverse elements of world music into a unique fusion, using his cello as the unifying force. Using loop pedal and other electronics, he augments the sound of his instrument into an entire cello orchestra creating a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Besides performing his original instrumental music, Ian Maksin currently has over 250 songs in 37 languages in his musical collection including French, Italian, Farsi, Turkish, Kurmanji, Arabic, Ukrainian, Spanish and many others.

Ian Maksin has created his own unique style by blending elements of different genres and traditional music from around the globe in a new way using his cello as the main unifying force. He uses the loop pedal and other electronic devices to augment the sound of the cello and turn it into a virtual orchestra. He sings pop and traditional songs from around the globe in more than 30 and writes his own originals in at least four. He has released several albums of original music for cello inspired by his world travels and collaborations with native musicians.

Bass Phenom Mohini Dey with Mamoji | January 26th 2025!

Mohini Dey is a renowned bass guitarist, arranger, producer & vocalist who has gained international recognition for her extraordinary talent and versatility. With her unique style and impeccable technique, she has collaborated with numerous renowned artists and performed on prestigious stages around the world. She is a 27-year-old bass guitarist from Mumbai, India.

She has been described as the “Most Successful Musician UNDER30” By ForbesIndia. She has been working professionally in the music industry for the past 18 years meaning that she started working professionally when she was only 9 years old. She is the only female bassist to rank within the 'Top 10 Bassists in the 21st Century' on Music Radar. She has over 20 million views collectively on YouTube, 406k followers on Instagram and 183K subscribers on YouTube & 201K followers on Facebook. She is currently the bassist for Willow Smith. She has worked with artists like Steve Vai, Zakir Hussain, Quincy Jones, Vinnie Colauita, Stanley Clarke, Jordan Rudess, Mike Stern, Dean Brown, A R Rahman, Sivamani, Marco Minneman, Gary Willis, Dave Weckl, Tony Macalpine, Stu Hamm, Plini, Louiz Banks, Guthrie Govan, Ranjit Barot, Chad Wackerman, Chad Smith, Simon Phillips, Prasanna, Gergo Borlai, Victor Wooten, Federico Malaman, Darwin, Niladri Kumar, Stu Hamm, Sivamani, Bumblefoot, etc many more artists. Some Indian singers & directors that she has worked with are Salim Sulaiman, Clinton Cerejo, Neeti Mohan, Amit Trivedi, Benny Dayal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh, Shalmali Kholgade, Sonu Kakkar, Shilpa Rao, Vishal-Shekar, Gurdasman, etc She has also been featured in magazines like Vogue, ForbesIndiaUnder30, NoTreble, RadarMusic, Bass Professor, Bass Magazine, BassQuaterly, Rollingstone, JazzInIndia, ParentCircle, RadioAndMusic, Platform, Femina, Hindu, NewIndianExpress, Verve and many other articles in newspapers like DNA, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Mid-Day, Mumbai Mirror, The Times of India, Bombay Times, etc.

She has played on Jimmy Fallon Show & Tiny Desk NPR with Willow Smith.

gino Banks

Drummer | Composer | Producer | Arranger

Born and brought up in Mumbai India, Gino Banks grew up surrounded by music and started playing drums when he was only 8 years old. By the age of 9, he was touring Australia and China with his father, Louiz Banks' band, SANGAM, an indo-jazz fusion band, playing percussion for them.

Gino is currently recording and touring with his band MaMoGi with Mark Hartsuch and Mohini Dey.

A versatile musician, Gino performs and records with artists and bands of all types of genres. Some of the artists he has played with are Louiz Banks, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, the late Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, Ustad Rashid Khan, the late U.Srinivas, Pt. Vikku Vinayakram, Sridar Parthasarathy, Sanjay Divecha and Karl Peters, Fazal Qureshi, Taufiq Qureshi.

He has also had the honor and privilege of playing a few tracks on the Miles From India Album produced by Bob Belden, which was nominated for a 2009 Grammy in the Contemporary Jazz Category with Times Square Records, NYC. The album is a fusion of Great Indian Classical Musicians and Miles Davis Alumni Musicians.

past shows

Badi Assad | featuring romero lubambo | Sat. Oct 12th

Badi Assad Is Inventive, Unique, Creative, Restless and Always Changing

Guitar Player, 2023

Ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the top female guitarists, Badi Assad has received numerous international awards in her career. Assad is from musical royalty (Brazil's acclaimed Assad family). She has appeared in a variety of musical settings - from classical concerts with The Assad Brothers to jazz festivals with Pat Metheny and Larry Coryell - and performed with a variety of artists including Bobby McFerrin, Yo-Yo-Ma, and Sarah McLaughlin. As a vocalist and percussionist, she is a true innovator, not only in technique but in performance. As a guitarist, she has inspired audiences and critics worldwide with a unique combination of technical mastery and innovation that has caused some to re-examine their notions about the instrument.

In January of 2014, Badi was commissioned by the Guitar Festival Marathon in New York to compose the soundtrack for the screening of the silent Chinese film, The Goddess (1934). Invited to also serve in the role of Festival Curator, she not only performed her composition live at New York’s Merkin Hall, but also received a New York Times highlight as Best of the Festival. Cantos de Casa, her first CD dedicated to children garnered Trophy Cata-Vento for Best CD of the Year.

Romero LuBambo

Joined by world renowned guitarist Romero LuBamba. After arriving in New York City, Romero quickly established himself as a "first call" session and touring guitarist who was in demand not only for his authentic Brazilian sound, but also for his command with a variety of styles.

Lubambo has performed and recorded with many outstanding artists, including Dianne Reeves, Billie Eilish, Angelique Kidjo, Michael Brecker, Yo-Yo Ma, Kathleen Battle, Diana Krall, Herbie Mann, Wynton Marsalis, Gal Costa, Kurt Elling, Kenny Barron, Luciana Souza, Cyro Baptista, Sergio and Odair Assad, Ivan Lins, Grover Washington Jr., Vernon Reid, Flora Purim and Airto, Paquito D'Rivera, Harry Belafonte, Larry Coryell, Gato Barbieri, Leny Andrade, James Carter, Paula Robison, Dave Weckl, Jason Miles, and Cesar Camargo Mariano... among many others.

He has also established himself as a composer and performer on his own critically acclaimed recording projects as well as on those of Trio Da Paz, a Grammy®-nominated Brazilian jazz trio Lubambo formed with Nilson Matta and Duduka da Fonseca.

Lubambo is considered by critics to be "the best practitioner of his craft in the world today... the guitarist's facility, creativity and energy are in a class all their own" (Jazziz)

t sisters

SECOND SHOW ADDED!

Every Blue Moon Concerts is pleased to present the T Sister's newest project SHEROES! Distinguished by close harmonies, catchy melodies and potent lyricism, the T Sisters have created their own refreshing brew of eclectic folk music. Blood sisters Erika, Rachel and Chloe Tietjen flow seamlessly between styles and moods, from roots to pop and sassy to sincere, captivating listeners with their lush sound and soaring harmonies.

Sat. Aug 31st - TWO SHOWS!

4:30 PM - Doors at 4 PM

7:30 PM - Doors at 7 PM ( SOLD OUT)

From their roots in the vibrant heart of the San Francisco Bay Area the T Sisters have shared a lifelong musical voyage. Raised in a family that breathed music, these talented sisters have harmonized together since childhood. In an environment where melodies and lyrics were woven into the fabric of daily life, they honed their skills and developed a unique bond that transcends sisterhood. With their mesmerizing vocal harmonies as the centerpiece, the T Sisters create a distinctive and soulful sound. The sisters underpin their seamless vocal blend with Erika's guitar, Rachel's bass, and Chloe's drums, crafting a sound that is rich in heartfelt expression and undeniably effective.

Their dynamic live performances have led them to share the stage with esteemed acts such as the Wood Brothers, the Indigo Girls, The Brothers Comatose, and Amos Lee. Throughout their career, the T Sisters have released three full-length albums and various EPs, including 2021’s full-length release "Big Girl Pants." This album showcases their growth and maturity as musicians, presenting a rich tapestry of contemporary folk songs that explore love, life, and the trials and triumphs of womanhood, all penned by the sisters themselves. Most recently, the sisters have begun to release singles from their upcoming release “Sheroes,” a short collection of covers of some of their favorite songs written or performed by female artists. This EP will pay homage to the legendary female performers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. With their exquisite harmonies, deep-rooted authenticity, and a genuine passion for crafting meaningful music, the T Sisters continue to captivate hearts and souls with every note they sing. Their journey is a compelling story of sisterhood, music, and the beautiful tapestry of life in the San Francisco Bay Area, inviting audiences to join them on a heartfelt yet sassy musical adventure.

charged Particles with Tod Dickow

The trio combines their original compositions, sparkling improvisations, and infectious energy for a night of fun. Of the band, reviewers have said: “An electrifying, push-the-limits performance style… A tight and enormously talented trio.” (Jazz Times Magazine), “Charged Particles is definitely dazzling.” (Jazz and Blues Report), “Fresh, energized jazz that showcases the trio’s individual technical mastery as well as a cooperative, refined approach to the art form.” (Jazz News Magazine), and “Tight interplay was the watchword as the threesome took difficult fusion themes and applied its own twists with spark and personal flair.” (Los Angeles Times). Downbeat Magazine called the band “something special” and “inventive, invigorating, mesmerizing, beautiful, virtuosic, and lyrical.” LA Jazz Scene said that “all three rhythm section members bring excitement and creativity to the bandstand.”

The band recently sold out Ronnie Scott’s (in London) and Birdland (in New York City) with tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow and world class trumpeter, Randy Brecker, playing new arrangements of compositions by the late great jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker on the CD, “Live at the Baked Potato!” (Summit Records).

The CD was named among the best 2021 jazz releases in JazzTimes Magazine, Jazzwise Magazine, the San Jose Mercury News, the Jazz Journalists Association, the 16th Annual Jazz Critics Poll, Glide Magazine, Nippertown Magazine, and more publications. Randy Brecker said the recording is “smoking and intense from beginning to end”. Bill Milkowski, author of Michael Brecker’s biography, said the record is “staggering in its authenticity.” Downbeat Magazine said that the record features “exciting, satisfying stuff”.

In a concert review, Downbeat Magazine called the quartet “something special” and “inventive, invigorating, mesmerizing, beautiful, virtuosic, and lyrical.” Nippertown Magazine said the quartet’s performance at the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival in New York was “often thrilling” and “the peak set of the day”. The Oxford Times said their performance at the Spin Jazz Club (in the U.K.) was “brilliant”.

At this performance, the quartet will play a mixture of their original funky Latin jazz and some of Brecker’s compositions. This will be an evening of drama, emotions, surprise, and virtuosity.

free waves trio

With Special Guest Mark Deutsch | read more…

Every Blue Moon Concerts is pleased to present the newly formed Free Waves Trio, an exciting new project of Jaron Lanier, Tim Jackson, and Zack Olsen.

JARON LANIER

Composer and arranger Jaron Lanier has performed with artists as diverse as Les Claypool, John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Yoko Ono, Philip Glass, Ornette Coleman, George Clinton, Vernon Reid, Terry Riley, Duncan Sheik, Pauline Oliveros, and Stanley Jordan. Recording projects include his acoustic techno duet with Sean Lennon and an album of duets with flutist Robert Dick, among others. 

Lanier also writes chamber and orchestral music. He was commissioned to write an opera that will premiere in Busan, South Korea, and a symphony, Symphony for Amelia, premiered by the Bach Festival Society Orchestra and Choir.

Jaron Lanier is also well known as the father of virtual reality which you can learn about in a 1993 Charlie Rose Interview. Jaron is currently Microsoft’s Prime Scientist which includes overseeing Microsoft’s AI strategy. Jaron is also a prolific published writer and regular contributor to the New Yorker Magazine, where he writes about music and technology.

TIM JACKSON

Jaron is joined by flute player Tim Jackson, former Artistic Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival who has been shaping the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world.

Tim is credited with elevating the festival to world-class status and as an innovator in the music industry in a variety of areas including taking the Jazz Festival on the road.  He is currently the Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz and a consultant in the music industry.

Tord Gustavsen Trio | Sunday, March 17 | two shows!

"You can call it obsession, the consistent and involuntary song of a melancholy soul... I admire Mr. Gustavsen's professional discipline to strap himself to the strategy that works the best."New York Times

A pianist of poetic cast, an exceptionally lucid player with a sure sense of melodic structure and an often-astonishing lyrical imagination. - Jazz Times

Tord Gustavsen | piano and electronics
Steinar Raknes | double bass and electronics
Jarle Vepestad | drums

Tord Gustavsen. “A Norwegian pianist of lyrical and often halcyon sensibilities” (NY Times), Gustavsen and his trio bring a stripped-down approach in which beauty and emotional intensity are united. His latest ECM release, Opening, explores the concept of openness and taking inspiration from the forces that surround us.

With the release of his first recording in 2003 entitled Changing Places, Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen came forth with a new sound by applying elements of American jazz to the church, classical, and folk music of his youth. The result was an immediately identifiable, Norwegian kind of jazz, a descendant of the original fresh with new sources of inspiration that has won the hearts of music lovers worldwide and established Gustavsen as one of Scandinavia’s leading jazz artists. The trio will preview selections from the upcoming release of Gustavsen’s tenth album for ECM Records.

A pianist of poetic cast, an exceptionally lucid player with a sure sense of melodic structure and an often-astonishing lyrical imagination. - JazzTimes

With 1.7 listeners on Spotify across 182 countries is a testament to how his music speaks to a worldwide audience. Cool and mysterious, pristine and intensely emotional, the music of Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen has earned a vast following while making few populist concessions. Easily the most acclaimed composer and pianist on the Norwegian jazz scene, he’s released a series of critically hailed albums that have climbed high on the Norwegian pop charts, starting with his 2003’s ECM debut Changing Places.

“Audiences can expect a band that is always developing and negotiating this paradox between melodic, lyrical, almost pop music type jazz and the freedom of the moment, and an emphasis on textures and soundscapes in a way. So we are almost like a pop band in cherishing the melodies and feeling that if you are to play melody, it has to sound like it is the most important thing in the world here and now. And we will always come up with new songs and new structures every night. So in that way we are almost like a free jazz band. And this paradox is a beautiful one.”

—"Tord Gustavsen published on Facebook."

His music is the offspring of American jazz and European culture. From the American masters headopted instrumentation, the concept of playing songs and improvising on them, and the sensitive interaction between improvisers. He applied these ideas and his instinct as a composer to the church hymns of his youth, the classical music he studied, and the Scandinavian folk music of his homeland. The result was a unique, immediately identifiable Norwegian jazz sound, a descendant of the original fresh with new sources of inspiration that has won the hearts of music lovers worldwide and established Gustavsen as one of Scandinavia’s leading jazz artist.

jahari Stampley

2023 first-place winner of the Herbie Hancock International competition

second show added! Fri January 5th

Sat. January 6th 2024! Sold out!

Wed. Dec 3rd or Thurs.Dec 4th.

Jahari Stampley is a Chicago-born pianist who began playing the piano at the age of 14. Within two years of exploring the instrument he began winning various competitions including Best High School Jazz Soloist Award and the National YoungArts Competition. By the age of 18 years old, he was recognized and followed by many world renowned musicians including Yebba Smith, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry, Jacob Collier, Stanley Clarke, Derrick Hodge, among others. Jahari has toured with Stanley Clarke and is featured on Derrick Hodge’s "Color of Noise" album.

Jahari has performed in venues such as Radio City Music Hall in NYC, The Met Philadelphia, Byline Bank Aragon in Chicago, Carnegie Hall in NY, San Francisco Jazz Center, and MANY others. He’s also headlined & performed solo-piano tours in Berlin, Koethen & Magdeburg, Germany, Geneva, Switzerland and Los Angeles, California. He’s conducted music workshops in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, and taught masterclasses in Spokane, Washington. Jahari is also the band leader & featured pianist for the upcoming feature film “Spinning Gold". Many of his performances have garnered praise in various media outlets, articles & magazines throughout the world.

Jahari was also the winner of the $6000 Bösendorfer prize for the international 2019 American Jazz Pianists Association Competition (for ages 18-25), Awarded the 2023 Luminarts Fellowship, 2023 Chicago Youth Symphony Alumni Award, and, won the $50,000 first place in the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute International Competition and was the first non-classical musician to be honored by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Alongside all of this, Jahari released his first Debut Album entitled “Still Listening” which rose to #1 on Apple iTunes in the first weeks of the Album’s release. Jahari Also designed and wrote the music for a music Education mobile game, "Piano Chronicles”. It is available as a mobile app for all mobile devices on Google Play Store and the Apple Store.

Winner of the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute International competition and awarded the 2023 Luminarts Fellowship, Jahari Stampley is emerging as a modern innovator in the jazz piano world. Having played many of the world’s most prestigious venues before the age of 22, in a few short years, Jahari is recognized as a prolific pianist, composer, producer, and educator.

He began playing piano at the age of 14 and quickly swept through the music world winning many competitions, performing solo concerts internationally, and touring with renowned artists such as Stanley Clarke, Derrick Hodge, and Keyon Harrold, among many others.

Jahari is joined by D-Erania Stampley, Jahari's mother, a Grammy-nominated musician in seven categories from Chicago IL. The 59th Grammy Awards Committee recognized D-Erania's "Language of the Heart" CD for seven ballot categories. "Language of the Heart successfully balances accessibility and imagination. D-Erania has created a work that has wide appeal without sacrificing originality, one with plenty of inspired artistry that is solidly mainstream. This record is a portent of a brilliant career for this promising and talented musician." - Chicago Jazz Magazine, Hrayr Attarian.

Jahari is also joined by Miguel Russell, a 21-year-old drummer/producer from South Florida. Originally born in the Bronx, NYC, he started playing drums when he was 2 years old when his father taught him how to play. At age 4 he was enrolled in the Harlem School of the Arts, studying under mentor and master drummer, Baba Donald Eaton. At age 5, his professional career began. Eventually, he moved to South Florida at age 6 and continued his professional career. Before the age of 21, he would go on to play with legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Nestor Torres, Paquito D' Rivera, Pedro Martinez, Candido Camero, Stefon Harris, Stacey Dillard, Dayna Stephens.

Matt Von Roderick “Celestial Heart” Tour

“celestial Heart” is officially selected for grammy consideration

BFD /Sony/ Orchard Release of “Celestial Heart” earns Song of the Day! JAZZIZ Magazine!
New Release via BFD/Sony/OrchardOrder Now

​

“Matt Von Roderick, a virtuoso trumpeter and vocalist, is renowned for his unique musical style…Von Roderick showcases an explorative and idiosyncratic approach to interpreting classics…He embodies the spirit of exploration intrinsic to jazz’s tradition and its continuous evolution as an art form...his latest masterpiece, Celestial Heart, an album that has recently taken the world by storm...provides a glimpse into his artistic persona, marked by a fervent passion for crafting sonic soundscapes and dreamscapes.”

—JAZZIZ Magazine

The authoritative voice of jazz culture 

New Release 
via BFD/Sony/Orchard
Order Now

Matt Von Roderick may be the alternative jazz crooner-trumpeter we’ve been waiting for. With equal parts innovative jazz virtuosity and heart-centered vocals, trailblazer Von Roderick mines the essence of classic jazz, rock, and electronica on CELESTIAL HEART and hits his mark.

Featuring legendary drummer Jim Keltner (John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan), adventurous studio ace Mike Valerio and orchestration wizard Gil Goldstein (Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny), CELESTIAL HEART leads with Von Roderick’s out-of-this-world treatment of Fly Me To The Moon, perhaps even more true to the original song lyrics — a version you didn’t realize you needed until you hear it for the first time. 

Utilizing his now signature multiphonics, loops, and spoken word, CELESTIAL HEART cements Von Roderick’s place within the pantheon of the real-deal singing trumpeter. Where some may be content to merely play ‘at’ the jazz tradition and American Songbook, Von Roderick reinvents — creating compelling new worlds within these beloved, timeless structures.

Rounding out the proceedings on CELESTIAL HEART are a nod to Mose Allison with the earthy blues track The Seventh Son featuring veteran bluesmen Johnny Lee Schell and Barry Goldberg, Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island, three entirely improvised pieces, and a stark, hauntingly beautiful I Fall In Love Too Easily. 

Produced by Rob Feinfield, recorded in Los Angeles at Ultratone studios, and set for a Summer release via BFD/Sony/Orchard, Matt Von Roderick’s CELESTIAL HEART stands poised to perk up a whole lot of tired ears in the jazz world and beyond.

Jahari Stampley Trio “Still Listening” tour | Saturday, August 19th | 7 PM

the Monument Social Club, San Francisco

Jahari Stampley is emerging as a modern innovator in the jazz piano world. Having played many of the world’s most prestigious venues before the age of 22, in a few short years, Jahari is recognized as a prolific pianist, composer, producer, and educator. Join us at The Monument Social Club in San Francisco for a rare opportunity to preview his upcoming album “Still Listening”.

Jahari began playing piano at the age of 14 and quickly swept through the music world with his unique ability to create fresh tapestries of sound, winning many competitions, performing solo concerts internationally, and touring with renowned artists such as Stanley Clarke, Derrick Hodge, and Keyon Harrold, among many others.

Jahari Stampley has performed in venues such as Radio City Music Hall in NYC, The Met Philadelphia, Byline Bank Aragon in Chicago, San Francisco Jazz Center, and many others throughout the US, Japan, and Europe.

“... Jahari gives us chameleonic grooves anchored by impeccable arpeggios that rise and fall against dense, driving rhythms. He effortlessly balances whimsical notions and melancholic chords with fiery percussive statements that capture the complex and sweet moments of life.” - Karas Lamb - Revive Music

Jahari will be joined by Miguel Russell, a 21-year-old drummer/producer from South Florida. Originally born in the Bronx NYC, he started playing drums when he was 2 years old when his father taught him how to play. At age 4 he was enrolled in the Harlem School of the Arts, studying under mentor and master drummer, Baba Donald Eaton. At age 5, his professional career began. Eventually, he moved to South Florida at age 6 and continued his professional career. He would go on to play with legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Nestor Torres, Paquito D' Rivera, Pedro Martinez, Candido Camero, Stefon Harris, Stacey Dillard, Dayna Stephens, and more.

Jahari will also be joined by D-Erania Stampley, the mother of the talented pianist, Jahari Stampley, is a Grammy-nominated musician from Chicago IL. The 59th Grammy Awards Committee recognized D-Erania's "Language of the Heart" CD for seven ballot categories. "Langage of the Heart successfully balances accessibility and imagination. D-Erania has created a work that has wide appeal without sacrificing originality, one with plenty of inspired artistry that is solidly mainstream. This record is a portent of a brilliant career for this promising and talented musician." - Chicago Jazz Magazine, Hrayr Attarian.

Spanish virtuoso pianist Alex Conde presents ''Jazz and Flamenco,'' a solo piano concert

Sunday Afternoon| Sept 10th | 4 PM | Inverness Ridge

Spanish virtuoso pianist Alex Conde presents ''Jazz and Flamenco,'' a solo piano concert full of energy and sensitivity. He will play original compositions and arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, from his albums Descarga for Monk and Descarga for Bud, both praised by Downbeat Magazine and All About Jazz.

Flamenco music, with its passionate flourishes and virtuosic improvisation, has long captivated jazz musicians. Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and Chick Corea have all been obsessed with flamenco. Pianist Alex Conde has emerged as one of the most versatile contemporary performers of jazz-flamenco fusion, dazzling audiences and earning rave reviews across the world.

Conde delivered these performances on the heels of recording his fourth album, “Origins” (2018, Ropeadope) with Marcus Gilmore on drums, Luques Curtis on bass, Dayna Stephens on saxophone, Brian Lynch on trumpet, Conrad Herwig on trombone, John Benitez on electric bass, and gypsy singer Ismael Fernandez.

The album was released in May 2018 with an official presentation at the legendary Blue Note in NY, Symphony Space on Broadway, and collaboration at the Lehman Performing Arts Center, alongside flamenco singer Diego el Cigala, before a fantastic audience of flamenco and jazz lovers.

These performances are a mere handful among hundreds in a career that began in Conde’s childhood in Valencia, Spain. A recognized prodigy, Conde demonstrated perfect pitch at the age of four. His parents gave him his first keyboard, and encouraged him as he began taking formal piano instruction. Conde practiced everything he heard from his father, Alejandro Conde, an acclaimed singer with more than 20 albums to his name, and one of the foremost performers of Copla, the flamenco-infused song book of popular works. Conde earned his first bachelor’s degree in Classical from the Jose Iturbi Conservatory of Music in 2001. From there, he went on to study at L’aula de Musica de Barcelona and earned a Diploma of Excellence in 2006.

In 2006, Conde was offered scholarships to pursue a second bachelor’s degree from Berklee College of Music. During his tenure at Berklee, his playing matured in his melding of musicality and increasing technical proficiency. He began playing professionally alongside jazz musicians and studied with trumpeter Mike Mossman, alto saxophonist Antonio Hart and pianist Jeb Patton.

In 2009, Conde met producer Fernando Brunet, with whom he released Jazz and Claps, an album featuring Alex original compositions. The album was released with Contraseña Records and opened the path of jazz and flamenco and stamped the music of Alex Conde as a center and as a mature composer and arranger for small ensemble.

In 2013, Conde self-produced and released his second album, Barrio del Carmen, a collection of music composed and arranged for the flamenco companies for which he has composed music over the years. The album features flamenco stars including gypsy singer Kina Mendez, nephew of the great Paquera de Jerez, and guitarist Jose Luis Rodriguez, long-time musical director for Cristina Hoyos. The album became a classic on TV programs such as Television Castilla la Mancha, presented by Rocío Sañudo, and in flamenco dance classes, where it is prized for its musicality and structure.

In 2015, Conde recorded an Iberian-inflected tribute to Thelonious Monk, Descarga for Monk (ZOHO), accompanied by seven-time Grammy-nominated percussionist John Santos and bassist Jeff Chambers, earning international recognition.

Today, Conde has become one of his generation’s pivotal figures in flamenco piano. With a fluid technique, an innovative tonal palette, and an extensive repertoire, he plays with the passion of a young artist and the command of a seasoned veteran and remains in constant demand as both a studio artist and a performer.

SELECTED PRAISES

‘‘... Origins is a tremendous calling card for Alex Conde as composer and pianist. But it’s also a demonstration of the adaptability of Latin jazz, as the genre readily accepts Conde’s flamenco influences. Easily recommended to Latin jazz fans, with the additional spice of a fresh Spanish flavor.”

MARK SULLIVAN, ALLABOUTJAZZ

“... When Alex Conde turns up the power at any given time, he’s like an orchestra all by himself. All of this firepower together with Marcus Gilmore, Conrad Herwig, Dayna Stephens and Luques Curtis makes Origins a very special experience. Mr. Conde is a pianist whose music is sustained by the fecundity of his Spanish roots. Through it all, of course, Mr. Conde is absolutely thrilling.”

— RAUL DA GAMA, LATIN JAZZ NETWORK

“... Gifted Spanish pianist Alex Conde, has his way with the high priest of bop in an adventurous all-Monk program.’’

— JAZZ CRITIC BILL MILKOWSKI

‘‘... [Alex’s] Thelonious Monk is rock solid. Its rhapsodic elegance is informed by all of the mystery and majesty of Monkish-ness. The elemental irreverence of Monk-music has been mastered by the young Spaniard. He worships at the altar of originality, as Thelonious Monk did, pouring his twisting duende into molten chords. His phrases make for lines that erupt with volcanic brilliance and a viscosity that is unlike anything that has been sung of Thelonious Monk in a very long time.”

— RAUL DA GAMA, LATIN JAZZ NETWORK

“... I have the honor of being part of this wonderful project. If you know Alex, you know what I’m talkin’ about. If not, you need to check him out. He’s a virtuoso pianist from Spain, and has prepared some extremely hip arrangements of classic and off-the-beaten-path Monk compositions — just when you thought you’ve heard Monk every way possible. The intimate setting and the sparkling musicianship of my colleagues is a ripe combination.”

— SEVEN-TIME GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST JOHN SANTOS

past events

Sabir Kahn and Mark Deutsch

Sabir Kahn

Sabir Kahn is a virtuoso Sarangi player who comes from eight generations of master Sarangi players. Sabir's improvisations are imbued with sustaining melodic and rhythmic skills framed by the raga form and interpreted in vibrant play by which he renders the “hundred colors” of the sarangi, the sublime and most demanding of instruments. Sabir has opened an exciting new phase for North Indian music and the Rajasthani folk compositions that he inherited from his forefathers. 

Mark Deutsch- Album Release

A professional musician since the age of twelve, Mark is a visionary artist with a background in nonlinear mathematics, sacred systems, and cosmology. As a classically trained bassist and sitar player, he gained extensive experience in orchestral and world music ensembles, jazz combos, and solo sitar performance. While studying North Indian classical music with the legendary sitar and surbahar master Ustad Imrat Khan (younger brother of Ustad Vilayat Khan), Mark began delving deeper into the universal fundamentals of music and its underlying frequency structures. This in turn led him to his quest to develop an instrument that could reproduce his findings. This work culminated in 1999 with Mark being awarded a US patent for his groundbreaking new instrument: Bazantar – a six-string acoustic bass fitted with an additional twenty-nine sympathetic strings and four drone strings. The result is a remarkable instrument that weaves a mesmerizing soundscape of resonance, and evokes all the power of Western classical music with the depth and nuance of Eastern traditions. Read about this incredible invention on https://bazantar.com/about/

Röntgen Piano Trio

with Mark Anderson, piano, Antoine van Dongen, violin, and Eric Gaenslen, cello

Formed in 2017 in response to a need to perform some wonderful yet under-appreciated works by the German-Dutch composer Julius Röntgen, pianist Mark Anderson has set out to perform all 5 Röntgen piano trios over the course of two years, one of which will be performed in the intimate setting of a William Turnbull house on the Inverness Ridge.

The Röntgen Trio is comprised of Mark Anderson, piano, Antoine van Dongen, violin, and Eric Gaenslen, cello. The trio was formed in 2017 and is committed to creating compelling performances of the standard piano trio literature while exploring lesser-known composers and works in that genre. They have performed in both the U.S.and Canada and have upcoming concerts on the west coast of the United States and Europe in 2022.

Pianist Mark Anderson is widely known for having recorded five CDs of works by Julius Rontgen for solo and 2-pianos since 2014. Mr. Anderson has performed throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Japan in such halls as Wigmore, Tonhalle, Bunka Gaikan, Kennedy Center and Weill at Carnegie Hall.

Cellist Eric Gaenslen has performed as a chamber musician, recitalist, and guest soloist in venues across North America and Europe. As cellist of the renowned Rossetti String Quartet, Eric performed at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Berlin Konzerthaus with such artists as Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Eugenia Zuckerman, and Gautier Capuçon.

A Silver Medalist at the National Violin Competition Oskar Back in 1983, Antoine van Dongen has enjoyed a distinguished career as a first violinist in the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and was a founding member of the Feininger Piano Trio. Antoine studied primarily with Sandor Vegh at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Born in Leipzig, Julius Röntgen (1855-1932) wrote over 600 works and was a celebrated musician throughout northern Europe. He lived most of his life in Holland and became known as the “Dutch Brahms”. His post-romantic style is steeped in German musical tradition and is sure to delight new audiences.

Jahari Stampley with special guest Grammy-nominated D-Erania Stampley

Now on a world tour with Stanley Clarke at the young age of 22, Jahari Stampley has performed in venues such as Radio City Music Hall in NYC, The Met Philadelphia, Byline Bank Aragon in Chicago, San Francisco Jazz Center, and many others.

Jahari Stampley is a Chicago-born pianist who began playing the piano at the age of 14, already winning various competitions including "Best High School Jazz Soloist Award" and the National Young Arts Competition. At the age of 18 years old, he was recognized and followed by many world-renowned musicians including Yebba Smith, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry, Jacob Collier, Stanley Clarke, Derrick Hodge, and Isaiah Sharkey, among others. Jahari has recently been called to tour with Stanley Clarke and is featured on Derrick Hodge’s "Color of Noise" album. He has also worked with many world-renowned artists including Jill Scott and Yebba Smith. Jahari was also the winner of the Bösendorfer prize for the international 2019 American Jazz Pianists Association Competition (for ages 18-25). As a music educator, Jahari released his first music mobile app, "Piano Chronicles" which has been released for all mobile devices on the Google Play and the Apple store. Jahari will be joined by a Grammy-nominated and exquisite multi-instrumentalist musician D-Erania for a very special and rare Mother son Duo.

D-Erania, the mother of the talented pianist, Jahari Stampley, is a Grammy-nominated musician from Chicago IL. The 59th Grammy Awards Committee recognized D-Erania's "Language of the Heart" CD for seven ballot categories. "Langage of the Heart successfully balances accessibility and imagination. D-Erania has created a work that has wide appeal without sacrificing originality, one with plenty of inspired artistry that is solidly mainstream. This record is a portent of a brilliant career for this promising and talented musician." - Chicago Jazz Magazine, Hrayr Attarian.

D-Erania will join Jahari in Saxophone, Keyboards, and Bass.

every blue moon | 2022 ArtistS

Sami Stevens and Kasemde George

An evening with critically acclaimed Sami Stevens and Kasemde George band on the Inverness Ridge. NYC Jazz power duo Kazemde George and Sami Stevens incorporate influences ranging from Hip-Hop/RnB to Cuban Rumba to 70's Singer-Songwriter to classic Bossa Nova. Collaborating for the past ten years, when they met at the New England Conservatory of music, the pair have worked together extensively; releasing two albums, an EP, a few singles, and a short film. They also happen to be newly married. Their latest release is titled I Insist; and was written and led by Kaz on tenor saxophone, with vocals by Sami.

Matt Von Roderick

“…radio-ready...truly touches on brilliant originality...what Miles Davis might search for if the innovative jazz trumpeter were still alive.”

–AXS

"...cutting edge...award winning jazz trumpeter with a well vetted resume brings his jazz trumpet to mingle with rap, shoegaze and Martian electronics..."

–Midwest Record

"Genuine artists and heroes share a lot in common. They don’t come along every day and when they do manifest, they come equipped with immense vision and foresight, extraordinary courage and the towering confidence to spin the world on its axis in reverse...alternative jazz alchemist Matt Von Roderick emerges to share his larger-than-life tales of burning love, spiritual hunger, raucous rebellion and realizing dreams on Hero’s Journey..."

–Top-40.com 

"...this trumpeter has blown my freakin' mind apart...Hero's Journey is a storytelling album of the highest order...unlike anything I've ever heard...musical greatness..."

–Exclusive Magazine 

"...a remarkable journey...otherworldly...if jazz is meant to move boundaries and offer newness…Matt Von Roderick fits the bill..."

–Soul and Jazz and Funk, UK

"...erotic...a jazzy trip..."

–Keys and Chords, Belgium 

"...fresh...impressive rapping style...powerful and explosive...a bit of The Beatles flavor mixed in...enough to make you want to move..."

–EURweb

"Matt Von Roderick Makes Jazz Dangerous Again...innovative...performance stunner..." 

–The Huffington Post 

"...visionary...Von Roderick guides you to the precipice of pop music before brazenly pushing you over the edge...surrender to the sensual beats and electronic rhythms, and believe that the possibilities of musical alchemy are limitless, you will land safely..."

–Jazz Chill
"Jazz needs new warriors...jazz needs Matt Von Roderick...Hero's Journey is nothing less than an act of musical deliverance..." 

–Matt Lohr, Contributing Writer; JazzTimes

“Intense and innovative…striking music…”

–New Jersey Star Ledger

"Matt Von Roderick is one of the most original musicians from the American music scene."

–NSSJ, SPAIN

Frank Martin on Piano

For the past 25 years Frank Martin has been a member of Sting’s “Rainforest Band” performing annually at Carnegie Hall along with James Taylor, Elton John, Billy Joel and many others.

Frank Martin continues a diverse career as a performer, producer and educator, and has performed and/or recorded with a wide variety of artists that include:

Stevie Wonder, Sting, Randy Brecker, Angela Bofill, Whitney Houston, Al Jarreau, Richard Bona, Shankar Mahadevan, Alex Acuna, Dori Caymmi, Larry Coryell, Flora Purim & Airto Moriera, Narada Michael Walden, Herbie Hancock, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, Tuck & Patti, Patrice Rushen, Wah Wah Watson, Robben Ford, Joey DeFrancesco, Lisa Fischer, Nguyen Le, Trilok Gurtu, John McLaughlin, Joe Farrell, Nishat Khan, Patti Austin, Steve Winwood, Santana, Abraham Laboriel, Chris Isaak, Anandan Sivamani, B.B. King, Larry Carlton, John Handy, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Botti, Jose Neto & the Netoband, Paul Simon, Patti Labelle, L. Subramaniam, Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Turrentine, Dennis Chambers, Alex Acuna, Kala Ramnath, Steve Kindler, Turtle Island String Quartet, Zakir Hussain, Wayne Shorter.

ian Maksin - Cello for Peace

A Concert tour to support Ukraine

Trained at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music, Maksin has held positions as the principal of the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas and has been mentored by Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, and other renowned cellists. In addition to being known as a classical artist, Maksin has collaborated with artists in a variety of musical genres, including jazz, blues, flamenco, rock, R&B, and world music. He has performed and recorded with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, P. Diddy, Snoop Dog, Gloria Estefan, Sting, and Barry Gibb.

World acclaimed cellist, composer, and multilingual vocalist singing in 30 languages Ian Maksin returns to Irvine for a concert to support peace in Ukraine. Ian will sing in Ukrainian, Polish, Yiddish, Belarusian, and several other languages and will also share original instrumental music from his latest release "The Alchemist", as well as some brand new compositions that haven't been recorded yet.

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Times 4 | Soul Jazz Explorers

Over 17 years of collaboration and friendship have culminated in Times 4’s unique brand of soul jazz. Their joyful musical interplay generates tight, driving grooves, captivating melodies and dynamic improvisations that inspire audiences, from critical to carefree, to tap their feet and feel dance in their bones.

Featuring Lincoln Adler (saxophones), Greg Sankovich (keyboards), Kevin Lofton (bass), and Maurice Miles (drums), the band’s artful and intense musical conversation is steeped in the history of friendship and common roots. Miles and Lofton have been friends and musical collaborators since high school; likewise, Adler and Sankovich continue a musical dialogue that also dates back to their teen years.

“The quartet often thinks as one. They succeed as both funky dance music and a fine example of the funkier side of jazz.”

  -All Music Guide

every blue moon | 2019 ArtistS

every blue moon | 2018 Artists

sean watkins

Grammy artist and founder of platinum selling bluegrass trio Nickel Creek played his new material from his newly released album, What to Fear. What To Fear is a follow-up to 2014’s acclaimed All I Do Is Lie, which had been Watkins’ first solo effort in nearly a decade, ten years that had been jammed with collaborative projects and a herculean amount of touring. On his own, Watkins displays tremendous warmth and soulfulness as a singer, a refreshing candor and humor as a lyricist, and prodigious skill as an arranger.

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BaDi ASsad

World renowned Brazilian singer, songwriter, percussionist, and guitarist in the jazz and worldbeat genres. 

Brazil's Badi Assad is one of the most innovative, passionate and talented Artists of all times and is lauded as one of the world's most unique and cross-transcendental performance artists of this generation. She transcends traditional styles of her native Brazilian music with a mixture of pop, jazz and world/ethnic. Badi played on the Inverness Ridge the night before she played Herbst Theater in San Francisco. A recent documentary film about Badi’s life called BADI won Best Documentary at the LA Brazilian Film Festival.

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SAMANDAR AND SINA DEHGHANI

SOLD OUT | Virtuoso Classical Persian duo, Samandar and Sina Dehghani

Samandar and Sina improvised on the hauntingly beautiful melodies of classical Persian music using two Persian classical Instruments: Tar (string instrument) and Daf (hand drum). Samandar has been playing Daf since he was 15 under the mentorship of his brother, percussionist, Sina Dehghani. He started Tar with Hasan Tafazoli in Isfahan and after preliminary studies he continued his path with master musicians such as Behrouz Hemmati and Keyvan Saket in Tehran.

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JACOB ARANDA

In the tradition of songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen, and Jay Farrar, Jacob's music is intensely beautiful, well-crafted, and haunting. His alternative folk songs weave flawlessly between light and dark, with a lyricism that conjures forth cinematic images of landscapes both external and internal.

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SABIR KHAN

SABIR KHAN IS THE SYMBOL OF THE SARANGI IN INDIA. Pre-show yoga class with Simone Norblom

 videos and bios

Sabir is a virtuoso in musical improvisations with sustaining melodic and rhythmic skills framed by the raga form and interpreted in vibrant play by which he renders the “hundred colours” of the sarangi, the sublime and most demanding of instruments. Sabir has opened an exciting new phase for North Indian music and the Rajasthani folk compositions that he inherited from his forefathers. 

Simone Norblom is a Kundalini Yoga teacher with more than 20 years of studying Kundalini as taught by Yogi Bhajan, Simone has been a student of many radiant teachers including Guru Singh, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, and Maty Ezraty.

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Antonio Iturrioz - Steinway Artist and filmmaker

Steinway artist and filmmaker Antonio Iturrioz presented his "Gottschalk and Cuba" program from his upcoming CD which he recorded at Skywalker Ranch. He played a world premier of his arrangement of a piece written for a 650 piece orchestra for a single piano.  

“That you have given the world this historic ‘first’ re-hearing of Gottschalk’s original intentions for ‘Night in the Tropics’ is more than worthy of being recorded for posterity.”

ANDRE WATTS, March 26,2018

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VEGA VICTORIA

Her recently released EP The Long Embrace was recorded and produced by Ben Tanner, member of the Grammy-award winning band Alabama Shakes. Featuring musicians Caleb Elliott, Jeremy Gibson, Adam Morrow (Belle Adair), and Ben Tanner, The Long Embrace was recorded in John Paul White's (Civil Wars) Sun Drop Sound Studio in Florence, Alabama and pulsates with ethereal longing and a driving rhythm inspired by the Muscle Shoals sound.

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AMILTON GODOY

São Paulo pianist/composer/arranger AMILTON GODOY is a true pioneer of modern Brazilian instrumental music. In 1964 he founded the iconic Zimbo Trio. This became one of the most influential Brazilian instrumental groups in the second half of the 20th Century, making 51 recordings and playing in 40 countries over the years. LÉA FREIRE is a major force in creative Brazilian music, as a performer, composer, and producer. HARVEY WAINAPEL, They were joined by Bay Area saxophonist/clarinetist HARVEY WAINAPEL, who has toured internationally with Airto Moreira & Flora Purim, Joe Lovano, Ray Charles, and Jovino Santos Neto.

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Almir Cortes, Brian Rice, Harvey Wainapel and Scott Thomson premiere original Brazilian Jazz CD  “Trançado.”

Visiting from Rio de Janeiro, Almir Côrtes presents the North American premier of his CD “Trançado.” Recorded in Brazil and California, the album’s title roughly translates to “braided” or “interwoven,” reflecting the repertoire’s mix of Brazilian folkloric rhythms with jazz improvisation, as well as the cultural interchange between Brazil and the USA. The project was awarded a generous grant from the state of São Paulo, funding the recording as well as a tour throughout that state.

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the bee eaters

Grand National Fiddle Champion Tashina Clarridge has toured with Mark O’Connor, Tony Trischka and Laurie Lewis and performed at Carnegie Hall as a part of MacArthur Fellow/Grammy-winning bassist Edgar Meyer’s Young Artists program.  Multi-instrumentalist brother Tristan Clarridge is a 5-time Grand National Fiddle Champion and a pioneering cellist, synthesizing traditional folk influences with rhythmic vocabulary from jazz, rock and pop music, and leading a revolution among adventurous young cellists throughout the country.  Hammer dulcimer wizard and composer Simon Chrisman brings a whole new approach to an instrument that has previously been thought to have limited range and technique.

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