Results for "jazz"

Jazztopia

Active since: 2006

Origins

Jazztopia is a mythical island of passion, swing and joie de vivre, South Atlantic, close to the Guanabara Bay, somewhere over the rainbow... Do you remember Thomas Morus’ 1516 book inspired by the tales of discoveries along the Brazilian coastline by Amerigo Vespucci?

History

Jazztopia is also a combo which originated in 2006 as the house band of "Jazz at the Maze" - Rio's most unusual jazz night, hosted by British-Indian artist, film-maker, polymath and singer Bob Nadkarni at The Maze Inn.

Wolfram Goebel

Nick Costley-White

Born: July 19, 1989

Nick Costley-White is one of the most in demand guitarists in the UK, renowned for a deep understanding of the jazz tradition, alongside a virtuosic technique and progressive approach to improvising.

Nick has released two albums to date, “Detour Ahead” (Ubuntu Music 2018) features a mix of his own writing and jazz standards and “Nice Work!” released in 2023 showcases his longstanding trio with drummer Josh Morrison and Tom Farmer on double bass.

Nick has performed all around the world in jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, the Duc Des Lombards, Blue Note (Milan, Shanghai & Beijing) A-Trane, Unterfhart, and at jazz festivals including Jazz in the Vines (Australia), Birmingham, Manchester and London Jazz Festival

Cynthia Rafaella

Born: August 14

With a warm, full voice and passionate overtones, Cynthia Rafaella's artistry and musical styling creates a tapestry of vibrant color and mood that’s sure to uplift the masses.

Cynthia Rafaella first made a name for herself performing alongside some of the most talented musicians on the New York jazz scene in the 1990’s. Cynthia Rafaella has performed with musicians such as Bill Lee, Rahn Burton, Arturo O’Farrill, Chip Crawford, James Weidman, Dennis Davis, Roy Hargrove, Justin Robinson, Miles Griffith, Winard Harper, Philip Harper, Stephen Scott, Dwayne Burno, and many others. Also, Cynthia Rafaella studied under talented jazz artists such as Andy Bey, Sheila Jordan, Norman Simmons, Ann Marie Moss, Richard Harper. Daniel Carillo, Mike Holober, and Nancy Marano.

After enrolling in a jazz workshop at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in the early 1990's, Cynthia Rafaella found herself immersed in classic jazz standards and the Great American Songbook. She also attended the jazz workshops of legendary pianist Barry Harris. Her jazz education continued at the “University of the Streets” in the East Village where she attended a jazz singer’s workshop. She'd work on tunes with a trio and was mentored by a continuous stream of seasoned jazz veterans whom she would later perform with, including Juini Booth, Gil Coggins, Burt Eckoff, and Clifford Barbaro. Cynthia Rafaella also performed regularly at late-night jam sessions which provided her with opportunities to jam with some of the most talented musicians on the New York jazz scene at that time. These encounters eventually led to weekly performances at the famed Village Gate and a spot as a featured singer with The Harper Brothers Band during an engagement at Condon's in 1993.

Cynthia Rafaella also studied under the mentorship of Bill Lee, the acclaimed bassist and composer. One afternoon, singer Miles Griffith invited Cynthia Rafaella to accompany him to a rehearsal at Bill Lee's home. That rehearsal would be the first of many. From 1993 to 1995, she sang first soprano in Bill Lee's vocal group, “The Family Tree Singers”. She attended weekly group rehearsals, as well as some one-on-one music lessons with Bill Lee. The vocal group performed excerpts from his folk-jazz operas and other original compositions, with Bill Lee conducting from behind his bass. Bill Lee often referred to Cynthia Rafaella as his “head trumpeter” and he composed a ballad solo that highlighted her vocal range. Bill Lee was known for his work with Duke Ellington, Odetta, Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, and many others. He also scored the soundtracks for some of the films of his son, Spike Lee.

Looking to further develop her musicianship, Cynthia Rafaella auditioned for Ron Carter “one of the most-recorded bassists in jazz history” and other faculty members of The City College of New York and was accepted into the B.F.A. Jazz Program. During this time, she was showcased at Birdland as an up-and-coming jazz vocalist. And in her senior year, while singing with The John Motley Chorus, she had the opportunity to perform with legendary drummer Max Roach and his quartet. 

Chyco Siméon

Born: May 4, 1966

Of Caribbean origin, Chyco Simeon spent his childhood in Montrouge, in the southern suburbs of Paris. His music-loving father passed on to him, instilled in him his passion for music, jazz, salsa, classical and, of course, the music of his original land, the Caribbean. Listening to these varied sounds, little Chyco opens up multiple melodic spaces that will no doubt influence his career, his tastes and his creations. In 1982, this self-taught and talented musician moved to his mother's home in Martinique, a beneficial homecoming that would bring him sunshine in the body, swing in his rhythms, new inspirations and fruitful encounters. After testing the guitar, keyboards and drums, Chyco Simeon puts his alert fingers on the bass, which will then become his favorite instrument. While studying in high school, he became a bass player for a group called "Sunshine". The formation is as short as it is popular and is made up of Tony Chasseur, Pipo Gertrude, Eric Bonheur, Philippe Joseph, instrumentalists and performers, sure values ​​of today's musical landscape.

Kieran Brown

Born: April 2, 2000

Kieran Brown is a New York City based multi-genre vocalist, composer, and arranger with a strong concentration in Jazz, Folk, R&B, and The American Songbook. With a love for improvisation and songwriting, Kieran's musical pursuits present a unique blend of the past and present, as she merges her deep understanding of jazz history with her contemporary sensibilities, impressive mastery of technique, and diverse textural adaptability. Kieran hopes to be a part of the young generation of musicians preserving and revitalizing jazz for the 21st century.

Kieran began singing at a very young age, but really fostered her love for music in high school, where she was fortunate to have wonderful educators and musical mentors. Her love of Jazz began in 2016, where she received a full tuition scholarship to attend the prestigious summer program at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Kieran’s experience studying jazz at Berklee turned out to be a pivotal moment in her career, empowering her to dedicate her life studying and preserving this music. At the age of 16, Kieran sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Her MSG performance led her to be selected to perform the Anthem at other solo events including at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport. Winner of the National High School Choral Award in 2018, Kieran has also participated in Regional and State Choirs from 2015-2018.

Alyson Murray

Australian vocalist and composer, Alyson Murray, is known for juxtaposing elements of soul, RnB and jazz into energetic and captivating music. Alyson has built her career on the foundations of a strong musical education.

At the young age of 16, Alyson received an Outstanding Potential Award from the Australian Girls Choir (AGC), where she was also selected to preform in The Boy From Oz, Hugh Jackman production in Melbourne, and many other public performances including several Australian Football league Grand Final pre entertainment performances and the ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ Qantas advertisement.

Robbie Kwock

Born: May 17

Performing/recording artist with International major touring with the Ray Charles Orchestra, Pete Escovedo Latin-Jazz Ensemble, Tito Puente Orch., Narada Michael Walden - Brotherhood, Omar Sosa Sextet, John Handy & Class. Recording credits with albums by Pete Escovedo, Ray Charles, Tito Puente, Santana, Al Jarreau, Two highly acclaimed solo releases: Sixth Sense and Halad along with Bay Area saxophonist Melecio Magdaluyo.

Alex Kautz

Renowned for his musicality, elegance and versatility, Alex Kautz stands out as a distinguished percussionist, educator, and composer. With an unwavering passion for jazz and world music, he has crafted a captivating and distinct musical voice and unique artistic expression.

Alex has been an important part of the NY competitive music scene for the last decade and has played and/or recorded with some of the top artists in the industry today including Tim Ries, Magos Herrera, Nilson Matta, Chico Pinheiro, Steve Willson, Lenny Andrade, Fabio Gouvea, Helio Alves, Victor Prieto, Robert Rodriguez and Michael Rodriguez among others.

Chris DeRosa

Born: August 19

Chris DeRosa is a Professional Freelance Drummer/Producer/Composer who currently lives in New York City, although his experience has taken him to many parts of the world (over 55 countries). Chris was born in New Haven, Connecticut but later moved to nearby Guilford where he took up the drums. At a very young age Chris was mesmerized by the sounds of the ecm record label he would hear pouring out of his radio on WPKN’s late night Jazz program. He was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to attend the Educational Center For The Arts (ECA) High School and at 16 studied with North Texas University famed Drumset Professor Ed Soph while he was on sabbatical in Connecticut.