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Daymé Arocena, ampliamente considerada como un ícono cubano moderno, a menudo se compara con divas como Celia Cruz, Aretha Franklin, La Lupe y Ella Fitzgerald. Daymé, cantante, compositora, productora y líder de banda altamente calificada, representa a su país natal en el escenario mundial. Nacida en La Habana en 1992, su viaje musical comenzó temprano, inmersa en el folklore afrocubano e inspirada por las cintas de casete de Sade Adu que su padre solía escuchar. Después de recibir reconocimiento como un talento prodigioso a los 8 años, estudió música en el prestigioso conservatorio Amadeo Roldán. Durante su gira internacional con el grupo de jazz canadiense Maqueque, obtuvo una nominación al Grammy en 2017 por sus destacadas actuaciones y complejos arreglos vocales.
This week we bring you an intimate talk with rising Cuban roots-pop singer-songwriter Daymé Arocena. Known for her honey-voiced records that honor Cuba's joyous folk and jazz traditions, her newest Alkemi' takes a sonic leap into the powerful pop and suave R&B music that she admired as a girl - Sade, Whitney Houston and even Beyoncé - while also paying homage to her grandmother's lifelong practice of Santeria. Born to a musical family in Havana where she shared a two bedroom house with twenty-one extended family members (her mother and grandmother sang locally and dad owned a night club), she was accepted into a prestigious music conservatory at age ten and has been off to the races since, co-founding and the all-female Cuban-Canadian jazz collective Maqueque in 2014, which toured internationally and earned a GRAMMY nomination and releasing four solo albums. Cubaphonia from 2017 is a favorite of this listener. Like many artists caught in Cuba's long history of repression and poverty - she was forced to leave the island to protect the safety of her husband, a photojournalist whose coworkers had been imprisoned. Canada was their only option at the time due to travel restrictions, but after three years living there, the pandemic pushed her to look for a new home again. She was advised to contact Grammy-winning producer Eduardo Cabra, better known as Visitante Calle 13, he invited her to come to Puerto Rico to spend a few days in his house - and a new album and a new home base was found. Sometimes you just need that island energy to make you feel whole again. Listen to the deeply spiritual (yet still catchy as hell) “American Boy” - about her finding her happiness and power even without the love of her life being by her side. For someone who grew up as a dark-skinned girl feeling invisible, what's clear is Daymé wants to be seen and understood more than ever before.
Miho Hazama, Jennifer Wharton's Bonegasm, Alan Ferber Nonet, John Ellis Quartet, Remy Le Boeuf, Adonis Rose, Joshua Redman, Jose James, Jharis Yokley, Pedrito Martinez, OKAN, Dayme Arocena, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Danae Olano and Tricia EdwardsPlaylist: Miho Hazama - AbeamJennifer Wharton's Bonegasm - NorhalaAlan Ferber Nonet - Brimstone BoogalooJohn Ellis Quartet - ToreadorRemy Le Boeuf, featuring Julia Easterlin - BarbaraAdonis Rose, featuring Ryan Hanseler, Lex Warshawsky and Gabrielle Cavassa - What Are You Doing The Rest of Your LifeJoshua Redman , featuring Gabrielle Cavassa - After Minneapolis (face toward mo[u]rning)Jose James - 38th & ChicagoJharis Yokley - Move OnThe Pedrito Martinez Group, featuring Descemer Bueno - Dios MioOkan - La Reina del NorteDaymé Arocena - Por tiJane Bunnett and Maqueque - Jump MonkDanae Olano - This CityTricia Edwards - Gould's Belt
Daymé Arocena, an Afro-Cuban singer from Havana now based in Puerto Rico, has been performing semi-professionally since she was 8 years old. She was trained as a composer, arranger, choir director, and band leader (Wikipedia) at conservatory, in addition to being “a practitioner of the Santeria religion, and a master of its profound musical tradition,” (Afropop Worldwide). Arocena was also part of the band Maqueque, an all-female band of young Cuban artists blending folkloric Cuban music and jazz (NPR Music). Since emerging as a solo artist, her songwriting has been a winning mix of jazz, soul, Caribbean, rumba, and folkloric music, imbued with Yoruban spirituality. But her latest release, Alkemi, celebrates the sounds of North American and Latin pop, intentionally so, as she picked Eduardo Cabra of Calle 13 to help produce on the album, which also features guests and sounds from around the Caribbean. Daymé Arocena and her band play some of the songs from Alkemi, in-studio. - Caryn Havlik Set list: 1. America Boy 2. Como Vivir Por El 3. Por Ti
La estadounidense Gretchen Parlato y el beninés Lionel Loueke con su disco 'Lean in' ('Akwê', 'Muse', Lean in', 'Astronauta'); la mexicana Magos Herrera con su disco 'Aire' ('Samba em preludio', 'Choro de lua', 'Aire'); la canadiense Janet Bunnett con las cubanas de Maqueque en el disco 'Playing with fire' ('Daniela´s theme', 'A god unknown', 'Human race') y el Tropical Jazz Trio con 'When love is new' de su disco 'On peut parler d´autre chose'.Escuchar audio
I was honored to have this conversation with Marilyn Lerner, who is a unique pianist and composer who is a powerfully expressive musician across a range of styles. She's a wonderful improvisor and has performed worldwide, as well as recorded extensively as both a soloist and as an ensemble player. She's also a therapist and psychoanalyst, and our conversation moved through many fascinating and important topics including ideas around identity and creativity. The video version is available here, and the transcript will later be published to the same link: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/marilyn-lerner Please support this series! https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman photo: Jake Sherman Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:06) jazz piano improvisation (03:47) exploring different musical styles (04:52) accompanying Silent film music (08:58) teaching classical musicians to improvise, KlezCanada, Lori Freedman (14:18) the piano as a textural instrument and different kinds of improv (with musical example) (16:46) Marilyn's youth (21:10) university years at York University (switching from Psychology into music), and Marilyn's work as a psychoanalyst, exploring the psychological aspects of being a musician, issues around identity (27:48) the challenges of making a living as a musician (30:22) experiences during 2020 lockdowns for both Marilyn and Leah (36:33) Adrienne Cooper, Anna Margolin, Dave Wall, “All Silent Things Speak Today” collection of songs, “Dreaming in Yiddish” (41:21) Yiddish and Ashkenazic Jewish history (45:45) Marilyn plays piano “Romanian Fantasy” (51:09) Yoshie Fruchter “The Pieces Broken” (52:27) mridangam studies Trichy Sankaran, opportunities at York University, Reginald Godden, Ethnomusicology (56:58) Salsa: learning Montunos with Rodrigo Munoz (57:47) Jane Bunnett, Larry Kramer, Maqueque,Cuban musicians, “Birds Are Returning” Dafnis Prieto (01:03:04) classical influences in improvising (01:07:18) psychology, becoming a therapist (01:09:47) Marilyn's youth, development as a pianist and musician (01:11:45) challenges of finding focus and creative time --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message
WUCF's September artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz' is Jane Bunnett. Finding jazz was a love story all on its own and from there her exposure to Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin styles really turned a corner. Not seeing many women on the stages, she formed her own group called ‘Maqueque' – completely transforming the possibilities for future generations. Working on their fourth record together – her roots are planted and her passion is ever growing.
Joanna Majoko, a Toronto-based performer, songwriter, and bandleader, is our guest today. Joanna has made a name for herself as one of Canada's most promising young singers. She has been a regular presence on the bandstand with some of the country's top musicians, including Jane Bunnet and Maqueque, David Clayton-Thomas, of Blood, Sweat and Tears, and Larnell Lewis, of Snarky Puppy. Majoko spent the majority of her youth in Zimbabwe, despite being born in Germany to German and Zimbabwean parents. Majoko migrated from Zimbabwe to South Africa for a short time before settling in Manitoba with her family when she was fourteen years old. Early last year, Joanna released her debut EP, No Holding Back, which is currently available on all your favourite streaming platforms. We connected over the internet with Joanna to discuss her journey halfway across the globe to Manitoba, how she fell in love with music and so much more. Please enjoy responsibly :) Don't forget to subscribe! https://bit.ly/3uPCWaj (YouTube Subscribe) https://apple.co/3oiPy7m (Audio Subscribe) Want More Joanna Majoko? https://www.instagram.com/itsjoannamajoko/ (Instagram) Spotify https://www.facebook.com/itsjoannamajoko (Facebook) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPiNe5r97mrZFc7uKnkBniw (YouTube) http://www.thednaproject.ca/shop (New Merch Out Now!) [Don't forget to check out The DNA Project Merch code “PODCAST” for 20 % off your first purchase!!] Thank you to our Sponsors: https://thednaproject.ca/ (The DNA Project) https://www.the-mpl.com/ (The MPL Toronto) Opening Credits: Daniel Cowans, Musical Director @ The DNA Project Produced By: Anthony Lewis and Diriki Palmer Mixed and Edited By: Mat Keselman
Two is the only even prime number, an odd fact to point out on this February 22, 2022. We are twenty days past the predictions of large rodents and less than a month away from the spring equinox. Time does move fast, but we’re still only 14.5 percent of the way through the year. Oh, the things you’ll learn in every installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement! I’m your host, Sean Tubbs. On today’s program:Albemarle County Supervisors discuss incentives for developers to build housing units below market rateMidway Manor may have a new future in which part of the downtown Charlottesville property will remain age and income restrictedA round-up of planning for other affordable housing projects in Charlottesville Albemarle County wants state regulators to require CenturyLink’s successor to maintain old copper telephone linesAnd Charlottesville wants the public to get a zoning 101Patreon-fueled shout-out to LEAPWhen you think of romance, you might not immediately think of energy efficiency - but the folks at LEAP think keeping your family comfortable at home is a great way to show you care during the month of love. Your local energy nonprofit wants to make sure you are getting the most out of your home all year round, and LEAP offers FREE home weatherization to income- and age-qualifying residents. If someone in your household is age 60 or older, or you have an annual household income of less than $74,950, you may qualify for a free energy assessment and home energy improvements such as insulation and air sealing. Sign up today to lower your energy bills, increase comfort, and reduce energy waste at home!Pandemic update: Percent positivity below ten percentThe waning of the omicron surge of COVID-19 continues as the Virginia Department of Health reports a seven-day average of positive PCR tests of 9.6 percent, below ten percent for the first time since December 21. Case loads are still high, with a seven-day average of 2,423 new cases a day. Today the Blue Ridge Health District reports another 168 new cases. Deaths associated with the omicron surge continue to be recorded. As of today there have been 401 total COVID deaths in the Blue Ridge Health District and 18,230 statewide over the past 23 months. Albemarle County offers comments on transfer of CenturyLink assets to LumenThis week, the State Corporation Commission is holding two meetings on a petition from Lumen Technologies to take over control of CenturyLink. Among the public comments submitted so far is the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors who sent a letter on February 10 summarizing concerns they made to Lumen officials at a January 12 meeting. As part of the deal, the new company would acquire copper-based assets and the county wants to make sure that service continues. (hearing webpage)“Many of our vulnerable communities live in the rural areas of our county, where topography and distance often preclude cellular coverage,” the letter reads. “For these residents, this copper-plant is a vital lifeline for accessing 911 service, particularly during and after severe weather events.” The letter also includes dozens of complaints about CenturyLink service for “terrible and ineffective customer service” and for a lack of maintenance of older equipment. (letter and complaints) (second set of complaints)For anyone interested in learning more, there is a whole repository of documents available for public review, including Lumen’s petition to the SCC. Midway Manor subject of new affordable housing developmentThe Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority will hold a public hearing next Monday on the issuance of up to $23 million in bonds that would be used by a California-based company to redevelop Midway Manor. In January, the property sold for $16.5 million, more than double its 2022 assessment of $7.5 million. According to a legal notice published in the Daily Progress, the new company has requested the CRHA issue up the exempt facility bonds “to assist the Applicant in financing or refinancing a portion of the costs of acquiring, constructing, renovating, rehabilitating and equipping an age restricted affordable housing development to be known as Midway Manor Apartments, to consist of 94 one-bedroom units and 4 two-bedroom units.”The notice states in capital letters that taxpayer funds will not be sought to pay back any of the debt that Standard Midway Manor Venture LP will incur. To learn more about exempt facility bonds, visit the Legal Information Institute at the Cornell Law School. Since February 1, Midway Manor is now under management by the Franklin Johnston Group. Financing of the houses is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing through the Section 8 program, which bases rents on the income of tenants. In an email this morning, CRHA Executive Director John Sales said the agency’s only role will be to issue the bonds. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit applications underwayWe are in the season when providers of affordable housing are preparing applications for Low Income Housing Tax Credits in advance of a March deadline. Summaries have been sent to the agency formerly known as the Virginia Housing Development Authority and that’s required notifications to localities. (read all of the summaries)Piedmont Housing Alliance is seeking credits for 30 rental units at the Monticello Area Community Action Agency property on Park Street. These will be four one bedroom units, 22 two bedroom units, and four three bedroom units. The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority seeks credits from the housing authority pool for 60 units for Phase 1A of the Sixth Street redevelopment with half of them being one bedroom and the other half being two bedroom units. This is separate from Phase 1 of the Sixth Street redevelopment, for which CRHA is seeking credits from the housing authority pool for 44 units with eight of them one bedroom, 20 two bedroom units, and 16 three bedroom units. CRHA is also seeking credits for 113 units in the second phase of redevelopment of South First Street. These would replace existing units and would consist of 19 one bedroom units, 38 two bedroom units, 26 three bedroom units, 15 four bedroom units, and 15 with more than four bedrooms. Last week, the company that is constructing the development of Friendship Court issued a press release announcing the groundbreaking from January. The firm Harkins is based in Columbia, Maryland. “Friendship Court’s redevelopment will be the largest construction of low-income housing for the area in over 20 years,” reads the release. “A multi-phased project, Phase 1 will consist of 106 units with buildings 1 and 2 totaling 35 stacked townhome-style units, while building 3 will include a one-level structured parking garage and three levels as a wood-framed, center corridor apartment building.” The project is being built to Passive House standards and will be Harkins’ third such project. Charlottesville releases Zoning 101 presentationThe next new information in Charlottesville’s rewrite of the zoning code won’t be available until mid-April when staff and Rhodeside & Harwell will publish a document with an inventory of the existing housing stock versus what could be built under the new future Land Use Map. This will take the form of a Diagnosis report and an Approach report. In the meantime, the city and the Cville Plans Together team has published a new page to provide an education on what the zoning process is all about. “Today’s zoning also has a number of flaws and barriers to development previously identified by City planning staff, elected and appointed officials, and others,” reads the Cville Plans Together website. “This process is an opportunity to cure these flaws and remove the barriers to the kind of development that is described in the updated Comprehensive Plan.” In January, a group of anonymous Charlottesville property owners filed suit in Charlottesville Circuit Court seeking to overturn the validity of the Comprehensive Plan. Read more in my January 12, 2022 story on that lawsuit. Shout-out to the Charlottesville Jazz Society In today’s second subscriber-supported public service announcement: The Charlottesville Jazz Society at cvillejazz.org is dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and perpetuation of all that jazz, and this Sunday the Society is sponsoring the return of Jane Bunnett and her all-female band from Cuba, Maqueque. A concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Unity of Charlottesville where Maqueque will play music from their latest release On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme. Get tickets online with discounts for students or members of the Charlottesville Jazz Society.Albemarle Supervisors discuss incentive package for housing Last July, the Albemarle Board of Supervisors adopted a housing plan that seeks to increase the number of units guaranteed to be rented or sold below the market rate. Housing Albemarle was adopted without a system of incentives to developers to keep those prices lower than they otherwise would be. That came back to the Board on February 16. Albemarle Housing Coordinator Stacy Pethia has suggested creation of an overlay district in the zoning code that would allow for reduced fees and other waivers in exchange for creating lower-priced units. “We did engage with developers and we had four meetings with developers between June and October of last year,” Pethia said. “During the first two meetings, staff listened to developer concerns and discussed housing policy goals. Based on that feedback collected during those meetings and research into incentive programs implemented in localities within Virginia and across the country, staff developed a list of potential incentives that could be in a package.”The overlay would be restricted to Albemarle’s development areas and would be optional, meaning developers would not have to participate. If they did, there would be the possibility of many ways their bottom line could be assisted. “They would offer a bonus density, reduction in building permit fees, and flexibility in design and parking standards,” Pethia said. The overlay would also allow developers to bypass the zoning process in some places if they build to the maximum density allowed in the Comprehensive Plan. At a minimum, twenty percent of units would need to be kept below market rate at levels identified in Housing Albemarle. “And the number of affordable units to be required would be calculated prior to applying the density bonus,” Pethia said. “This would provide developers with additional market rate units to help offset the cost of making the affordable units available. The incentive plan will also address a gap in Albemarle’s current policy by creating a waiting list of people who will qualify for below-market opportunities based on their income. “It’s really difficult to market the affordable units to income-qualified households and that’s really an important issue,” Pethia said. “It has meant that many of our for-sale units in particular have turned market-rate without being purchased by income-qualified households.” In public comments before the discussion, Neil Williamson of the Free Enterprise Forum wanted waivers for affordable housing projects to be mandatory rather than at the discretion of staff. “The reality is that Albemarle’s fast diminishing development areas where the easiest parcels to develop have been developed,” Williamson said. “That means parcels left to develop will likely require a special use permit. While the policy anticipates this reality, the opportunity for staff denial is too great.” Williamson also said he wanted more robust incentives such as expansion of the development area as well as the county paying the hook-up fees to the Albemarle County Service Authority for water and sewer. “Considering the importance of affordable housing to the community, certainly providing $20,000 per affordable unit is not too much to ask,” Williamson said. That would be expensive to the county. Pethia said the recent approval of Premier Circle, Rio Point, and RST Residences created 414 below-market units. If the developers were to be 100 percent reimbursed, that would cost the county $5.6 million. Supervisors were asked if they supported the idea of an overlay. Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley said she did, but not want to expand past a certain area.“I for one do not want to see development go into the rural areas and to keep development in the development area,” LaPisto-Kirtley said. Supervisor Chair Donna Price (Scottsville District) said there will come a point in time when that boundary will be adjusted, but not yet.“We’re already at the point where we have to fill in more, build up higher, or we have to expand the development areas so it’s important for community members to understand we have to look at ways to try and achieve all of our objectives which includes as long as possible limiting the amount of the development area,” Price said. Price was also skeptical of reducing parking standards at this time. “We do not have a comprehensive transportation system that can get everyone throughout the community wherever they need to do,” Price said. Supervisors approved the Rio Point on 27 acres in late December which will see a total of 328 units in an apartment complex on land that is currently undeveloped. That’s in the Rio District which is represented by Supervisor Ned Gallaway. He had looked at the draft calculation for bonus density. “So Rio Point, if I’m understanding the answer, would have allowed 1,300 units the way the math was done?” Gallaway asked Pethia.“That is correct,” Pethia said. That would be based on provisions in other programs that grant a 45 percent increase in density based on the gross density. The actual calculations will change as the incentive package is further tweaked.Gallaway suggested having the overlay apply only in certain parts of the county, such as those already identified in small area plans such as the Rio Road plan. However, he added he is not opposed to any ideas at this point in the development of the incentives. Supervisor Jim Andrews (Samuel Miller District) said he wanted staff to take a deeper look into the results that have happened in other communities that have created developer incentives. “I would be really interested in hearing more about looking not only at what they’re doing but how successful they are at what they’re doing,” Andrews said. “Loudoun County’s proposals for example, their program I guess has been in place long enough to have a little bit of history. It looks to me like it’s having some success. Those are the ones we want to emulate if we can, if they work for our circumstances.”Supervisor Ann Mallek (White Hall) said she needed more information and for detail. “I am very concerned about an overlay that applies to every piece of direct because there is a great difference between the capability of one lot versus another to actually accomplish something and have a product where people would want to live,” Mallek said. Staff will return to the board with more information at a later date but Supervisor Gallaway pointed out that the package’s adoption will take until after the one year anniversary of the adopting of Housing Albemarle. General Assembly updateWith just over three weeks to go, action is moving fast in the General Assembly, with bills that passed in one house with a close partisan vote now meeting their fate in committee meetings. These include:The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee killed a bill yesterday to cap the minimum wage at $11 an hour. The vote was 11 to 4. (HB296)That committee also defeated a bill to not move forward with subsequent increases mandated by a previous General Assembly. That vote was 12 to 3. (HB320)A bill to allow employers to pay less than the minimum wage if they have fewer than ten employees was also defeated 12 to 3. (HB1040)Bills to restrict collective bargaining by public employees were also defeated. (HB336) (HB337) (HB341) (HB883)The Senate Committee on Education and Health ended consideration of a bill that would made it easier for School Boards to dismiss new teachers by extending probationary periods. (HB9)The Senate Judiciary Committee defeated a bill that would have reduced penalties for violating the state’s concealed weapon laws on a 10 to 5 vote. (HB11)On a 8 to 7 vote, the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee ended consideration of a bill that would have required the parole board to review the transcript of the trial for each incarcerated person up for parole. (HB435)Support the program!Special announcement of a continuing promo with Ting! Are you interested in fast internet? Visit this site and enter your address to see if you can get service through Ting. If you decide to proceed to make the switch, you’ll get:Free installationSecond month of Ting service for freeA $75 gift card to the Downtown MallAdditionally, Ting will match your Substack subscription to support Town Crier Productions, the company that produces this newsletter and other community offerings. So, your $5 a month subscription yields $5 for TCP. Your $50 a year subscription yields $50 for TCP! The same goes for a $200 a year subscription! All goes to cover the costs of getting this newsletter out as often as possible. Learn more here! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe
Mike Epstein is the President and Founder of Epstein & Company, an international booking agency that represents a roster of brilliant artists, including Maria Schneider, Fred Hersch, Cyrille Aimee, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Donny McCaslin and more. His agency offers booking services for professional touring artists as well as value added services for those who need them including travel, logistics, advancing dates, and tour marketing. We chat about Mike's Artist Growth Process™, a unique process built around their individual clients' biggest goals that focuses on maximising performance opportunities, increasing artist fees, and growing their fan base so they are free to focus on creating and performing. Mike's MO for guiding his artists is also generously made available to any musicians who visit the Epstein & Co. website. Show Notes: Tracks Played: – Emmet Cohen: Future Stride – Banda Magda: El Pescador – Maria Schneider: Braided Together – Kat Edmonson: A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes – Cyrille Aimee: There's A Lull In My Life Mentioned links: Grow Your Art With Maria Schneider, Mike Epstein and Ann Braithwaite Speaking Of The Arts Podcast Live From Emmet's Place The Kat Edmonson Show “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes a month before the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession
Mike Epstein is the President and Founder of Epstein & Company, an international booking agency that represents a roster of brilliant artists, including Maria Schneider, Fred Hersch, Cyrille Aimee, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Donny McCaslin and more. His agency offers booking services for professional touring artists as well as value added services for those who need them including travel, logistics, advancing dates, and tour marketing. We chat about Mike's Artist Growth Process™, a unique process built around their individual clients' biggest goals that focuses on maximising performance opportunities, increasing artist fees, and growing their fan base so they are free to focus on creating and performing. Mike's MO for guiding his artists is also generously made available to any musicians who visit the Epstein & Co. website. Show Notes: Tracks Played: – Emmet Cohen: Future Stride – Banda Magda: El Pescador – Maria Schneider: Braided Together – Kat Edmonson: A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes – Cyrille Aimee: There's A Lull In My Life Mentioned links: Grow Your Art With Maria Schneider, Mike Epstein and Ann Braithwaite Speaking Of The Arts Podcast Live From Emmet's Place The Kat Edmonson Show “The Insider” is a spin-off series with monthly episodes. Patreon members at the $10/month tier receive these episodes a month before the general public. If you would like to support The Jazz Session, please do consider becoming a Patreon member over at https://www.patreon.com/thejazzsession
Sarah Thawer is a self-taught drummer based in Toronto, Canada, who's been performing on stage since the age of 5 years old. https://www.instagram.com/sarahtdrumguru/ (Sarah) has found great success by embracing the world of formal education by studying jazz and world music at York University. She was the recipient of the Oscar Peterson Scholarship, the highest award given by the institution, and graduating with the Summa Cum Laude distinction. Her accolades and work ethic have taken her to share a stage with world-class artists, including AR Rahman, Ruth B, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Del Hartley, and D'bi and the 333, to name a few. We had an incredible conversation with this amazing musician, and we were also lucky enough to have her record some tracks in our studio that we included at the end of this episode as well
Saranaide is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter and musician based out of Buffalo, NY. With parents from Panama and Puerto Rico, Saranaide has dipped into her DNA to embrace and celebrate the pulses and sounds of Latin America; exploding on the Buffalo Jazz Scene with a new vigor. Inspired by the legends of soul and jazz riding on the rhythms of the world, Saranaide's unique sound is sweet honey dripping over a spicy stew. A lifelong learner, she has traveled the world to better inform her process – whether it is studying Maracatu in Canada and Brazil or traveling to Ghana to immerse herself more fully in West African drumming & dance, Saranaide beautifully blends and reflects her Afro-Latino roots. She writes in both English and Spanish, most recently adding Portuguese to her singing repertoire. Her songwriting is universal and highly personal; her stage presence ethereal and earthy, wrapping her audience up in each story told through her sultry vocals, willowing flute and jazzy guitar riffs. She began her musical journey learning the piano at the age of 4. She picked up the flute in grade school and played in various ensembles and bands throughout her life. Her musicality sparked her interest in teaching herself guitar (and later ukulele) for church services, where she spent most of her youth building the foundation for her practice. Saranaide also sings with the Buffalo Afrobeat Orchestra and is passionate about her work as a birth doula. Most notable performances of her career were being a guest of the Brooklyn College Choir in 2018 to perform two sold out nights at Carnegie Hall with Joe Hisaishi in a symphonic concert featuring the music of Studio Ghibli, wowing a sold out crowd at Hotel Henry with a night of bossa nova, and opening up for Jane Bunnett and Maqueque. To find out more about Sara check out her website www.saranaidemusic.com
Lots of music today and not too much talk. From my online downloads you’ll hear Joe Henderson, Leslie Odom Jr., Wolff Clark Dorsey, and Gilson Perenzetta & Mauro Senise. Canadian groups are Victoria’s Naden Band featuring Roy Styffe, Chelsea McBride & Her Socialist Night School, and Jane Bunnett & Maqueque. Lastly, some random selections from…Continue reading Episode 126, More Random Selections from my Jazz Library
A few weeks ago, Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcomed the Afro-Cuban Jazz duo OKAN (led by Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne) to the show! Combining history, heritage, storytelling and spirituality, they share these elements on their new album – Espiral (Spanish for ‘spiral’). Born in Havana, Cuba, Elizabeth Rodriguez is a classically trained violinist who served as concertmaster for Havana’s Youth Orchestra. Magdelys Savigne hails from Santiago de Cuba and graduated with honours in orchestral percussion from Havana’s University of the Arts. Both are JUNO-nominees for their work with Battle of Santiago and Grammy-nominees for their contributions to Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, of which they are former members.
A few weeks ago, Gregg Tilston and Karim Kanji welcomed the Afro-Cuban Jazz duo OKAN (led by Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne) to the show! Combining history, heritage, storytelling and spirituality, they share these elements on their new album – Espiral (Spanish for ‘spiral’). Born in Havana, Cuba, Elizabeth Rodriguez is a classically trained violinist who served as concertmaster for Havana’s Youth Orchestra. Magdelys Savigne hails from Santiago de Cuba and graduated with honours in orchestral percussion from Havana’s University of the Arts. Both are JUNO-nominees for their work with Battle of Santiago and Grammy-nominees for their contributions to Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, of which they are former members.
Multi-instrumentalist Jane Bunnett and her band Maqueque have a new album called On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme (2019, Linus Entertainment). In this interview, Bunnett talks about the long and often difficult process of assembling a band of women from Cuba; the collaborative spirit that emerged from their shared struggle; the music on the new record; and more. / / / I've been recording conversations with jazz musicians since 2007. I think it's important work that deserves public support. I'd also like to be able to do it for my living. If you agree that The Jazz Session is worth supporting, become a member today at thejazzsession.com/join. For $5 a month you'll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra bonus show exploring a classic jazz album.
Multi-instrumentalist Jane Bunnett and her band Maqueque have a new album called On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme (2019, Linus Entertainment). In this interview, Bunnett talks about the long and often difficult process of assembling a band of women from Cuba; the collaborative spirit that emerged from their shared struggle; the music on the new record; and more. / / / I've been recording conversations with jazz musicians since 2007. I think it's important work that deserves public support. I'd also like to be able to do it for my living. If you agree that The Jazz Session is worth supporting, become a member today at thejazzsession.com/join. For $5 a month you'll get a monthly bonus episode, early access to every show, and a yearly gift. For $10 a month you get all that plus an extra bonus show exploring a classic jazz album.
Multi-instrumentalist Jane Bunnett and her band Maqueque have a new album called On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme (2019, Linus Entertainment). In this interview, Bunnett talks about the long and often difficult process of assembling a band of women from Cuba; the collaborative spirit that emerged from their shared struggle; the music on the new record; and … Continue reading "The Jazz Session #499: Jane Bunnett"
As much as we favor a complete integration of the jazz sexes, this week we feature twenty-four bands or projects with not a single man in sight, actually in hearing. After all, how much jazz radio have you listened to (not on Mondo Jazz) with playlists made exclusively of all male bands? Here's a small contribution to rebalancing that statistical abherration. The playlist features Rhoda Scott's Lady Quartet, Nérija, Irène Schweizer, Co Streiff, Marilyn Mazur's Shamania, Terri Lyne Carrington, Aki Takase, Silke Eberhard, Anna Högberg Attack, Maggie Nicols, Joelle Leandre, Sylvie Courvoisier, Susie Ibarra, Sisters in Jazz, Cæcilie Norby, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Monika Herzig, Tia Fuller, Giovani Leonesse, Lioness, Ahn Trio, Minamo, Mary Halvorson, Jessica Pavone, Eve Risser, Kaja Draksler, Susana Santos Silva, Lauren Newton, Hae Voces. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/9230056/Mondo-Jazz Photo credit: Agata Urbaniak
This is the last episode of the Cuban Jazz series. And I’ve decided to feature a Juno award winning Cuban-Canadian group of women. I play music from both their albums, as well as spotlight some of the individual musicians in the group—including Yissy Garcia, Melvis Santa, Danae Alano, and, of course, Jane Bunnett herself. I…Continue reading Episode 58: More Cuban Jazz–Jane Bunnett & Maqueque
In celebration of the coming of Maqueque—a group of five Cuban women plus flautist/soprano saxophonist Jane Bunnett–coming to Peterborough in April, I’m starting a three part series on Afro-Cuban Jazz. Today’s episode tracks its ‘modern’ history, from the 1920’s in New York. Yup! That was the birthplace of Afro-Cuban Jazz, not Havana or New Orleans.…Continue reading Episode 55: Afro-Cuban Jazz, A History
El pianista Axel Tosca es un joven valor de la escena del jazz de Nueva York. Nacido cubano, es hijo de la excelente cantante Xiomara Laugart y de Alberto Tosca, cantautor de Cuba. El primer trabajo de Axel Tosca tiene título homónimo. Heaven and Earth, Cielo y Tierra, es el disco más reciente de la flautista y compositora de Nueva York, Colette Michaan. Esta es su cuarta producción después de los discos First Cause, Querencia e Incarnate, álbumes donde ya mostraba su afición por los ritmos de Cuba, contenido y tendencia que se mantiene en este disco.Tony Taño ha sido uno de los directores de orquesta, arreglista y compositor más importantes de Cuba desde comienzos de los años 60. Hace unos días nos llegó la noticia de su muerte. Este próximo día 20 de abril habría cumplido 80 años. Desde comienzos de los años 50 hasta los primeros años 60, Tony Taño, natural de Caimito del Guayabal, hoy provincia de Artemisa, se dedicó a estudiar música, desde solfeo, armonía y trompeta hasta composición y dirección orquestal. En su biografía encontramos una larga lista de responsabilidades y de tareas.Ibrahim Ferrer, uno de los rostros familiares del proyecto Buena Vista Social Club, fue uno de los cantantes preferidos del director santiaguero Chepín, con quien vivió y compartió dos momentos de su biografía musical, primero en la Orquesta Chepín Chovén, una de las grandes alianzas de músicos orientales, y después como vocalista de nuevo de la orquesta de Chepín, cuando éste decidió separarse de Chovén para dirigir su orquesta oriental. Ibrahim Ferrer era de San Luis, población próxima a Santiago de Cuba, donde nació el 20 de febrero de 1925. El Septeto Turquino de Santiago de Cuba puede ser la réplica del grupo habanero Sierra Maestra. Los dos grupos surgieron en los años 80 y ambos en los recintos universitarios de las ciudades donde estudiaban. Desde el año 1982, al frente del Turquino, continua el contrabajista Rolando Ferrer Rosado para mantener al septeto en primera fila de la calidad de los grupos soneros de Cuba. A finales del año pasado nos llegó su nuevo álbum, se titula Ligadito con el son.Súbeme la radio es el éxito de Descemer Bueno y de Enrique Iglesias, que Sweet Lizzy Proyect interpretan en inglés y del que disponen un par de vídeos que no pueden perderse. En la despedida, recuperamos el disco Oddara, cd del año 2016 de Jane Bunnett & Maqueque que compitió en la pasada edición de los Grammy.
ideastream's Dee Perry welcomes Jane Bunnett & Maqueque before their Tri-C Jazz Fest concert at Playhouse Square. Detailed show notes at https://www.ideastream.org/news/jane-bunnett-and-maqueque-live.