Jonathan Powell’s Mambo Jazz Party showcases his 20-year career as a trumpeter in NYC’s salsa and Latin jazz scene. As a former member of Eddie Palmieri’s groups and collaborator with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Miguel Zenon, Tito Puente Jr., and many others, Powell’s love for the genre is evident. Mambo Jazz Party features top talents, including trombonist Jimmy Bosch, Grammy-nominated pianist Manuel Valera, and flutist Itai Kriss. With members like trombonist Ryan Keberle, drummer Camilo Molina, and bassist Alex Apolo Ayala, the ensemble promises dynamic performances. Their debut self-titled album is set for release on Circle 9 Records on August 9, 2024.

Featuring

Jonathan Powell – Trumpet, bandleader
Itai Kriss – Flute
Jeremy Powell – Tenor sax
Remy Le Boeuf – Alto and baritone sax
Jimmy Bosch – Trombone
Ryan Keberle – Trombone
Manuel Valera – Piano and keyboards
Alex Apolo Ayala – Bass
Camilo Molina – Drums and percussion
Marcos Torres – Congas

Songs

00:40 – Juancito
13:23 – Connection
20:47 – Love Song
31:04 – Outnumbered
38:26 – United
46:30 – Our Life
58:16 – When I’m With You
01:09:32 – Shade of Jade

This performance and new work by Jonathan Powell and Mambo Jazz Party has been made possible with support from Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works program funded through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Production

Lead Audio Engineer: Klaus Larson
Video Engineering: Mark Montour-Larson & Alec Kenefick
Hosted by: Geoff Anderson
KUVO Program Director: Shane German
Booking: Domi Edson
Recorded in the Bonfils-Stanton Performance Studio in Denver, CO

“Tatomania” celebrates the brilliance of Roberto Jr. Vizcaíno from the Royal Quartet, the son of master percussionist Roberto Vizcaíno — who represents a new generation of Cuban percussion greats. Known to Valdés as “Tato” since he was a kid — Valdés performed with his father over the decades — Roberto Jr. shines with a fiery symphony of congas alongside Valdés’ melodic comping and air-tight pocket of the band on. Valdés comments, “Every party in Cuba ends with the conga. Once the congas ignite, we all dance together.”

Acclaimed living legend of Afro-Cuban music, seven-time GRAMMY Award winner and six-time Latin GRAMMY Award winner Chucho Valdés celebrates his lauded 60-year recording career with an instant-classic, Cuba & Beyond, set for release on Friday, September 20, 2024. Valdés is the preeminent composer/pianist of modern Afro-Cuban jazz with international acclaim to his name for deftly fusing the music of his homeland with jazz, classical music, dance music, and rock. His renowned career includes seven albums on Blue Note Records (1991-2003), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and being an inductee into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. On Cuba & Beyond, Valdés composes yet another masterpiece featuring his electrifying Royal Quartet as he carries his legacy forward with a world-class catalog of recordings.

With nearly 30 albums, Valdés remains ever-young at heart while composing an array of his greatest works yet. On Cuba & Beyond, Valdés performs with his electrifying Royal Quartet featuring Horacio El Negro Hernández (drums), José Armando Gola (bass), and Roberto Jr. Vizcaíno (percussion).

Not only has Rojas caught the attention of music lovers, but also of the industry’s leading critics and publications – having been dubbed an “artist you should know” by Rolling Stone (Spanish), and featured on Billboard’s On The Radar segment

Miami, FL (July 19, 2024) – Versatile Cuban violinist Yeisy Rojas travels back in time to pay homage to her ancestral sounds with the release of the striking visual for her song, “A Mis Ancestros” (To My Ancestors). The title track of her seven-song album A Mis Ancestros – released in December 2023 – is a yearning confessional powered by Rojas’ impassioned vocals, and now delivers an impactful music video.

“A Mis Ancestros” breathes life into the nostalgia of being away from home and transforms this feeling into memories. Through comparisons and reflection, Yeisy finds herself appreciating her culture more – as do many immigrants sharing similar experiences.

“I would have never valued my own race and the history and culture of my country if I hadn’t left, and although it is sad to say, it’s been my experience.” – Yeisy Rojas   

The cinematically inclined visual for “A Mis Ancestros” paints Yeisy’s story and that of a multitude of immigrants who connect with their roots when living in a foreign country. Divided into elegant dance scenes and close-ups of the artist’s divine gift to become one with the violin, the video effortlessly captures the deep-seated appreciation for her culture. Nearing the finale, the protagonist child meets with her mother, who embraces and reminds her to be proud of who she is – and from where she comes from. “A Mis Ancestros” was filmed at Oslo’s Gamle Logen Castle under the direction of film director Marcus Støren. In addition to her impactful musical direction, Yeisy is an all-around creative – developing the video’s screenplay and costume design. 

Of the video, Yeisy shares: “This video is so special to me because it tells my own story, from the time I left my country to finding and accepting my own roots and myself.”

Yeisy Rojas is a multi-talented sensation from Cuba, whose unique blend of jazz, traditional Cuban rhythms, and classical influences is undeniably capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Not only has Rojas caught the attention of music lovers, but also of the industry’s leading critics and publications – having been dubbed an “artist you should know” by Rolling Stone (Spanish), and featured on Billboard’s On The Radar segment. 

The rising global star’s unique sound and heartfelt storytelling undoubtedly make her an artist to watch in the coming years.

Source: AR Entertainment