Month: August 2010

Orquesta Amadeus is the country’s only authentic orquesta tipica cubana, or Cuban charanga band. The charanga movement gave birth to the classic Cuban rhythms and dances, the mambo and the cha cha cha, the origins of what we now call “salsa”. The musical roots stretch back as far as Africa, France and Spain, referencing both the classical and folk traditions. Orquesta Amadeus interprets the passionate melodies and rhythms of this genre and the skilled interweaving of tradition and improvisation means that the music is fresh, exciting and new, while authentically expressing the 1940’s and 50’s Havana style. Orquestra Amadeus received a standing ovation at the Tauranga Jazz Festival for their Performance.

As part of my MMus and in collaboration with Auckland University, I am holding a concert to trial compositions as part of an originals album to be recorded next month. The trio features myself, Jason Orme on drums and Aaron Coddel on Bass. The concert is to be held Sunday 22nd August from 5pm at the KMC on Shortland St. Why don’t you come along if you feel like supporting some original improvised music. The album is most likely to be entitled “Song” and hopes to meet the challenges involved in writing music that appeals to more than just a jazz audience. There will also be a formal recital later in the year and an album release party, these dates have yet to be set.  Hopefully see you there!

Thanks, Mark