Billy Childs has emerged as one of the foremost American composers of his era, perhaps the most distinctly American composer since Aaron Copland – for like Copland, he has successfully married the musical products of his heritage with the Western neoclassical traditions of the twentieth century in a powerful symbiosis of style, range, and dynamism.

Musicians:
Billy Childs: piano
Matt Penman: bass
Ari Hoenig: drums

Youtube video: “The winds of Change”

Trüko is a musical journey proposed by Michaël Cotnoir, guitarist with multiple styles including gypsy jazz, Mathieu Langlois from the world of jazz/flamenco and Hanser Santos Gomez who contributes enormously to the mixed music scene thanks to his enthusiasm, his know-how doing and his musicality on his numerous percussions.

From the union of their acoustic universe mixed with a lyrical sensitivity and strong energy, emerges a rich, new and captivating music.

Youtube video: ” Trüko Trio”

The Magic Sax Quartet, also known as the Saxophone Quartet of Santiago de Cuba, was founded on July 4, 1995. The ensemble is made up of outstanding instrumentalists, each contributing an important role, with a strong musical background that allows them to combine styles ranging from jazz to traditional Cuban son.

Each member can take on a soloist role when needed, but their main focus is the fusion of their individual talents to achieve a rich and cohesive sound. The group has received high praise from specialized publications such as Jazz Man, Jazz Podium, and World Music, which highlight their virtuosity and their innovative, distinctive sound within this format. In an interview with Paquito D’Rivera published in DownBeat magazine, he praised their interpretation of Ernesto Lecuona’s work “La Comparsa,” which they perform masterfully and with great versatility. This recording is featured on the album Alma de Santiago.

Juan Chacón González – Director, soprano saxophone
Julio César González Simón – alto saxophone
Rey Amaury Burgos Delis – tenor saxophone
Baudelis Rodríguez Sierra – baritone saxophone

Video: Lagrimas Negras

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Hailing from the lower west side of Montreal, Otis – Ali delivers old school blues in an old school way, and never fails to entertain… Having shared stage and studio with some of the greatest blues musicians of our times, such as Junior watson, Fred Kaplan, Richard Innes, Larry Taylor, Johnny Dyer, Lazy Lester, Piano willie etc.

Youtube video: “Bharath & His Rhythm Four – Caraquet en Bleu”