Eliane Elias, Chick Corea and Mike Stern are three of the big names coming to Bucharest in October for the much expected Bucharest Masters of Jazz Festival. But they are not the only reason that has made jazz lovers in Romania to count down the days. Take note: Richard Bona, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White. Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl, Brandford Marsalis from 23 to 25 of October. And a month later, November 25, prepare for the great Jan Garbareck Group!
This is surely the event of the year for the Romanian jazz aficionados, who are about to discover the very best in contemporary jazz. The concerts will take place at the Palace Hall cultural centre, in the heart of Bucharest (Revolution Square).
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The festival opens October 23 with pianist, lyricist and composer Eliane Elias who combines her Brazilian roots and sensuous, attractive voice, with the classic instrumental technique and composing skills.
Eliane Elias has released nineteen studio albums so far and won numerous Golden Records as well as three nominations to the Grammy Awards (Best Latin Jazz Album, Best Large Jazz Ensemble and Best Jazz Instrumental Solo). Throughout her career, the artist has worked with important personalities, such as Joe Henderson, James Taylor, Michael Franks and Becker Bros. |
Eliane Elias, The Girl from Ipanema |
Richard Bona, Suninga |
Also on stage on the same day, Jazz bassist Richard Bona. If you don’t know who he is, here’s a clue: Imagine an artist with Jaco Pastorious's virtuosity, George Benson's vocal fluidity, João Gilberto's sense of song and harmony, all mixed up with African culture. Born and raised in the West African nation of Cameroon, he arrived in Paris in 1989 and began playing with his fellow countryman Manu Dibango, Salif Keita from Senegal and the elite of French jazz-musicians. Since moving to New York in 1995 he has brought two highly praised albums out and played with eminent American jazz-musicians. |
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On Saturday, October 24, prepare yourselves for the Power of Three: Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. This is a jazz supergroup you should see. With the ever-expanding Corea ouevre at their fingertips and the incredible improvisational skill and musicianship of all three jazz legends, this trio soars through acoustic bliss, funky jazzitude, mind-expanding classical and all worlds in between. Corea, Clarke & White are musical masters sending audiences on sonic explorations of wondrous proportions.
This is a concert that should not be missed! |
Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White playing with Joe Henderson |
Mike Stern Band, Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl & C.M. Doky |
Next day, is the big day. Sunday night, October 25, is the night of Mike Stern, a living legend of jazz. With a career of over three decades and a discography of dozens of eclectic albums, as well as five nominations to the Grammy Awards, Boston-born Stern has earned a top position among the major jazz and jazz-fusion guitarists and composers of his generation.
In Bucharest he comes onstage featuring trumpeter and Grammy award winner Randy Brecker, drummer, composer and producer Dave Weckl and Grammy Award winner saxophonist and composer Brandford Marsalis. |
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Consider this as a bonus track, but on November 25, you must be back at the Palace Hall. The reason is three words: Jan Garbareck Group, the Norwegian saxophone player with a clear, indipendent, ascetic and pure tone. Jan Garbarek had an early breakthrough into the elite of modern jazz in the 60's, due to his extensive cooperation with Keith Jarrett.
His name is listed next to the big names from the U.S. and is associated with the birth of an original European sound in jazz. In Bucharest he appears with his quartet. |
Jan Garbarek Group, Once I dreamt d tree upside down |