VJs Music Series

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               Workshop & Concert Tickets: $25 / $20 conc / $15 student

‘The rhythm section of Stamatis Valacos on double bass, Giorgio Rojas and Steve Marin on percussion set up a great platform for…Eamon Dilworth’s extravagant piece Fibonacci…Gai Bryant’s South American styles such as bomba and cha cha chá…and Jonathan Cohen’s solos and melodies that make a real statement.’ Mick Pigott

This is Global Jazz at its best-unique, exciting, and bristling with invention.

Each band member brings their experience and knowledge to create a convergence of riches. Expect to hear Giorgio Rojas’ Peruvian heritage alongside Jonathan Cohen’s Cuban descargas and Gai Bryant’s densely layered Cuban and Peruvian-influenced jazz cameos. The alchemy resulting from the blend of these elements and people is an exhilarating new twist on landó, panolivio and more.

To celebrate the launch of Giorgio Rojas’ new book Cajon Basics we invite you to join us for a performance that begins with a cajon lesson. This is a unique opportunity to discover Afro-Peruvian music and learn the rhythms that underpin it from a master in the field. Peruvian Australian drummer and percussionist Giorgio Rojas is an acclaimed and talented musician who specialises in Afro-Peruvian music styles. With Peruvian Caribbean Jazz outfit ALLY assisting him they want to share his passion for Peruvian landó, festejo and panolivio with you. This is a hands-on workshop with those attending performing a piece with the ensemble during the evening.

After a short break ALLY will present music drawn from Afro-Peruvian, Cuban and Caribbean traditional rhythms paired with a modern jazz aesthetic. Their material encapsulates a cross-pollination of cultures, ideas, and sounds grounded by the distinctive resonance of the Peruvian cajón. Whilst inspired by the past this music has vitality, energy and a sense of space. There is an organic balance of air pushed through trumpet and saxophones with skin on wood.

ALLY Youtube video 

Musicians: Gai Bryant-alto/soprano saxes and flute, Jonathan Cohen-piano, Stan Valacos-double bass, Giorgio Rojas and Steve Marin-percussion

   Click here to book