Sept 10, 2005 – Where does one start to describe some of the premier Latin jazz musicians in the industry today? To do justice to our responsibilities as the producer of Sunset Jazz we need to start by telling you do not miss this event!
In honor of the celebration of the VI-PR Friendship Month, Sunset Jazz is honored to present the Ramóón Váázquez Quartet. One of the top Latin jazz bassists around today, the Cuban Ramóón Váázquez has shared the stage, played and/or recorded with some of the best names in jazz and Latin jazz including: Chick Corea, Tito Puente, Eddie Gomez, Justo Almario, Hilton Ruiz, Paquito D`Rivera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Dave Samuels, Emil Richards, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, David Sanchez, Nestor Torres, Dave Valentin, Airto Moreira, Jane Bunnet and Miguel Zenóón, among others. Additionally, (as if their needed to be an ‟additionally") He is professor and founding member of the New Jazz and Caribbean Music Department of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. He has taught at the Popular Music Department of the Interamerican University of PR. Ramóón also actively assisted in developing and establishing the International Association for Jazz Education, Chapter of PR, and was elected as an executive member. Váázquez has been involved as a professor and lecturer in various institutions in and out of Puerto Rico. Ramóón completed his first musical album titled "On The Move," which became available in 2003. In this album, Ramon Integrated several music influences, developing a convincing personal style, which led to excellent reviews by critics in the local press. In a review by Jaime Torres the reviewer states: "The young Cuban bassist surprised with one of the best, well balanced albums of 2003, and one of the finest recordings in USA and Europe. ‟On the Move" has also had a raving review from the American musical magazine Jazz Improv, and was nominated Winner Music 2004 in Puerto Rico, at the "Premios Tu Múúsica."
Currently, Ramóón is working in his second production.
Performing on congas and percussion will be the phenomenally talented Paoli Mejias. Paoli's professional career began in his teens, playing with Rafu Warner followed by freelancing with Joséé Nogueras, Glenn Monroig and Charlie Sepúúlveda. Later Paoli worked with Luis Enrique, Marc Anthony, La India, Seis del Solar, Tito Puente, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentíín, Danilo Péérez, David Sáánchez, Kip Hanrahan, Paquito D'Rivera, and Chick Corea. Paoli has toured around the world as sideman to Eddie Palmieri for more than eight years, recording and playing in the largest jazz festivals. Paoli's discography includes more than 20 commercial recordings, among them Alex Acuñña's "Acuarela de Tambores" which was nominated for a Grammy, and "Masterpiece" by Tito Puente & Eddie Palmieri which received a Grammy award. His own CD "Mi Tambor" just received the 2005 Grammy nomination for best Latin Jazz Album!
Pianist Luis Maríín is one of the most sought after Latin jazz pianists in the industry. As a pianist, Luis has performed in live presentations and recordings with artists such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Richie Ray, Papo Lucca y Sonora Ponceñña, Juan Luis Guerra, Andy Montaññez, Cheo Feliciano, Fiel a La Vega, Elvis Crespo, Tito Puente, Gilberto Santarosa, Rita Moreno, Mario Bauzáá, Yuri Buenaventura, Cuto Soto Luis Garcíía, Tony Vega, Humberto Ramirez, Mandy Vizoso, Gilberto Monroig.
In 1997, after various years playing as a side man, Luis Marin received an invitation by the PR Heineken JazzFest to make his debut as a leader. Luis Maríín New Jazz Group shared the stage that night with saxophonist Joe Lovano and guitarist George Benson. It is at this successful presentation that he was given the chance to express his inner most feelings with an eclectic repertoire within the tradition of Latin jazz, becoming automatically a powerful force in this category.
In 1999 he started the production of his first album as a Soloist, "Inconsolable", integrating major influences in his style, and rendering a special tribute to one of Puerto Rico's most special singers, Gilberto Monroig. In 2004 Luis released his 2nd album as soloist "Live at Nuyorican Cafe", with great reviews. Luis is also part of the Conservatory of Music of PR, participating as jazz piano professor in the recently created Jazz and Caribbean Music Department.
Last of the Ramon Vazquez Quartet, but by no means least, is the famous Efrain Toro. Toro is one of the world's most versatile drummer percussionists, and his unique approach to rhythm and education is a musical revolution in the making. Toro's career began in his native Puerto Rico, later moving to the New England Conservatory. While in Boston, he studied drum sets with Alan Dawson. He moved to Los Angeles in 1979, where he has played on countless film and TV scores. Performing with a variety of great artists that included Stan Getz, George Benson, Los Lobos, Chicago, Placido Domingo and many others, Efrain has entertained millions of jazz fans around the world.
With the incredible amount of talent and experience coming to the Sunset Jazz stage on Sept. 16, concertgoers are advised to come early to get their spot in the park! The Frederiksted Economic Development Association, Inc. (FEDA) predicts a record crowd in attendance for this performance.
We look forward to having everyone join us in celebrating VI-PR Friendship Month as well as welcoming this wonderful group of artists to Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted! The music starts promptly at 6 p.m. and goes for two hours.
Admission is free, and with its early evening hours, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted is a family-oriented affair. Attendees are encouraged by Sunset Jazz producer, Bridget Cox-Dawson, to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. F.E.D.A. operates a cash bar, with proceeds going toward the costs of producing the jazz programs, and Hispanos Unidos sells food to raise funds for its community outreach projects. As a reminder…..Please be cool: No Coolers! Concertgoers also are encouraged to stay downtown after the music's over, to dine and/or enjoy the Frederiksted night life. For more info call Bridget Cox-Dawson at 277-0692 or e-mail [email protected].
The Source is publishing this press release as a public service. It is published exactly as received. Please note on the by-line the name of the person or organization that sent the release.