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Conjunto and Dee Alexander
Conjunto and Dee Alexander
Date Posted: January 15 2010
Written By: chicago jazz
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James Sanders and Conjúnto, Chicago’s premiere Jazz Latino band, returns to Chicago’s world renowned Jazz Showcase on February 3. Vocalist Dee Alexander joins the group for a special guest appearance that is certain to take Conjúnto’s already fluid dynamic to yet more unexplored territory. Conjúnto leader James Sanders has toured and recorded with Alexander as a member of her Evolution Ensemble.
“Dee has been an inspiration to me and it’s always been exciting to play in her group” says Sanders. “I’m really interested to hear what she can bring to our approach and where we’ll go with that”.
Conjúnto’s distinctive melding of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and jazz idioms has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences everywhere they’ve played, be it the heart of el barrio or the most demanding new music stage. For this performance, James Sanders violin leads Willy Garcia on winds; Roel Trevino and Jean-Christophe Leroy on percussion; Leandro Lopez- Varady on piano; and Brent Bentler on bass.
James Sanders, a violinist with dozens of jazz and classical credits in his career, is a member of Dee Alexander’s Evolution Ensemble and was featured on her recent Down Beat 5-star reviewed CD Wild is the Wind. He appeared with Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Ensemble in her tribute concert to Alice Coltrane in Millennium Park, and is a member of Alfonso Ponticelli’s Swing Gitan, Reneé Baker’s Mantra Blue Free Orchestra, and Doug Lofstrom’s New Quartet.
As a classical musician, he is a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta and is in regular demand as a featured guest soloist.
Sanders formed Conjúnto in 2001 as an ongoing exploration of the confluence of Jazz and Afro-Latin standards with original compositions and arrangements. The intuitive interplay of the musicians in this long running ensemble ensures a free approach to the music and makes every performance unique. Moving confidently from Afro-roots to intricate improvisation, Conjúnto engages mind and body with their polyrhythmic intricacy, thoughtful arrangements, and virtuoso soloing.
Conjúnto has released two CDs: Live in Little Village and Chicago Sessions. They have appeared at Andy’s, HotHouse, Jacaranda, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, Rumba, Checkerboard Lounge, Katerina’s, Summerdance, the Chicago Cultural Center, Jazz Showcase, Velvet Lounge, and many other venues.
James Sanders and Conjúnto with special guest Dee Alexander, vocals
Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court in Dearborn Station, 312.360.0234
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 8:00 PM
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