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Conjunto and Nicole Mitchell at the Velvet Lounge
Conjunto and Nicole Mitchell at the Velvet Lounge
Date Posted: May 04 2010
Written By: chicago jazz
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James Sanders and Conjúnto, Chicago’s premiere Jazz Latino band, returns to Chicago’s premiere improvised music venue Velvet Lounge on May 5 with special guest flutist and composer Nicole Mitchell. As is their custom with guests, James and the band will use this collaboration to explore yet another new territory in the world of Latin Jazz.
Nicole Mitchell has been noted as “a compelling improviser of wit, determination, positivity, and tremendous talent...on her way to becoming one of the greatest living flutists in jazz,” (Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader). A creative flutist, composer and bandleader, Mitchell placed first as Downbeat magazine’s "Rising Star Flutist 2005-2009, was awarded "Jazz Flutist of the Year 2008" by the Jazz Journalist Association and ““Chicagoan of the Year 2006” by the Chicago Tribune.
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 leads Willy Garcia on winds; Roel Trevino and Jean-Christophe Leroy on percussion; Leandro Lopez-Varady on piano; and Brett 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 Nicole Mitchell, flute
Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Road, Chicago - Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 8:30 PM
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