- This event has passed.
Sunday Jam by Terraza Colombian Jazz Collective
$10
Sunday Jam by Terraza Colombian Jazz Collective
Presented by Terraza 7
Sunday May 7th , 2023, at 9:00 pm
Presented by Terraza 7
Sunday May 7th , 2023, at 9:00 pm
$10 Cover charge Mezzanine.
Featuring:
Juanito Ruiz / Clarinet
Alex Pastrana / Piano
Diego Alzate / Bass
Juan Felipe Mayorga / Drums.
Samuel Torres / Congas & musical direction
Alex Pastrana / Piano
Diego Alzate / Bass
Juan Felipe Mayorga / Drums.
Samuel Torres / Congas & musical direction
A Colombian jazz jam session for all musicians to perform and collaborate one Sunday a month in Queens, NY. All performers are welcome to sit in and play with The Terraza Colombian Jazz Collective, hosted by percussionist Samuel Torres.
All are welcome to join us to listen and support live jazz at one of NYC’s most vibrant venues. The music starts at 9 pm, bring your instrument!
About Juanito Ruiz:
Juan Ruiz became involved in music at the tender age of 11. He learned to play Latin American percussion in his hometown of Caldas (Antioquia) in Colombia. At the age of 14 he was handed a clarinet not a saxophone like he wanted. While in Colombia Juan performed folkloric Colombian music, classical music, and Latin American music in various festivals. In 2006 he earned a scholarship to study English and Music in the United States; giving him the opportunity to perform clarinet and saxophone with prestigious groups such as, The Grammy winner Pacifica Quartet, and great musicians as Guinga, Omar Hakim, Toto La Momposina, Oscar Stagnaro, Greg Hopkins and George Garzone, Gregorio Uribe to name a few.
As a composer, Juan has different pieces that were commissioned by New England Conservatory faculty Kenneth Radnofsky and has worked as an arranger for the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. His recent compositions are being performed in Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, China, Germany and around the United States. One of Juan’s big challenges is to picture his homeland ‘’Colombia’’ in his music but also to create a fusion that is influenced by all the music from Latin America and the American Jazz.
Juan studied at Berklee College of Music with Dr. Shannon Leclaire and George Garzone.
Recently, Juan Ruiz’ Quintet had the opportunity to share stage with the 14th Grammy Winner Paquito D’Rivera.
On April 24 2018 Juan first Album “Desde Lejos” was released at The Regatta Bar with great acceptance.
“Today Latin Americans are embarked on a journey that separates us from our loved ones and those who have watched us grow up.
During this adventure we are always “Desde Lejos” (from afar) because we miss the people we remember, especially our families. Our passion as artists leads us to express the joy of achieving our dreams, yet we are still homesick for the things and people we remember.
Latin American music is filled with the history and journey of our ancestors, as they searched for a better future. The African, Indigenous, and European mix has created a style of music that is predominantly full of glee and the joy of living.
What better way to express this joy than through music itself? The enchantment of dance and the way it brings us together is at the heart of jazz and of “Desde Lejos.”
Juan Ruiz became involved in music at the tender age of 11. He learned to play Latin American percussion in his hometown of Caldas (Antioquia) in Colombia. At the age of 14 he was handed a clarinet not a saxophone like he wanted. While in Colombia Juan performed folkloric Colombian music, classical music, and Latin American music in various festivals. In 2006 he earned a scholarship to study English and Music in the United States; giving him the opportunity to perform clarinet and saxophone with prestigious groups such as, The Grammy winner Pacifica Quartet, and great musicians as Guinga, Omar Hakim, Toto La Momposina, Oscar Stagnaro, Greg Hopkins and George Garzone, Gregorio Uribe to name a few.
As a composer, Juan has different pieces that were commissioned by New England Conservatory faculty Kenneth Radnofsky and has worked as an arranger for the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. His recent compositions are being performed in Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, China, Germany and around the United States. One of Juan’s big challenges is to picture his homeland ‘’Colombia’’ in his music but also to create a fusion that is influenced by all the music from Latin America and the American Jazz.
Juan studied at Berklee College of Music with Dr. Shannon Leclaire and George Garzone.
Recently, Juan Ruiz’ Quintet had the opportunity to share stage with the 14th Grammy Winner Paquito D’Rivera.
On April 24 2018 Juan first Album “Desde Lejos” was released at The Regatta Bar with great acceptance.
“Today Latin Americans are embarked on a journey that separates us from our loved ones and those who have watched us grow up.
During this adventure we are always “Desde Lejos” (from afar) because we miss the people we remember, especially our families. Our passion as artists leads us to express the joy of achieving our dreams, yet we are still homesick for the things and people we remember.
Latin American music is filled with the history and journey of our ancestors, as they searched for a better future. The African, Indigenous, and European mix has created a style of music that is predominantly full of glee and the joy of living.
What better way to express this joy than through music itself? The enchantment of dance and the way it brings us together is at the heart of jazz and of “Desde Lejos.”
About Alex Pastrana:
Colombian, Composer, Arranger, Artist of the prestigious brand of keyboards Nord and Musical producer, Pianist, undergraduate in Music (Honorable Mention) graduated from the Javeriana University. He was born in Neiva- Huila and one of his greatest characteristics is the versatility that is developed in every scenario he performs. Parallel to his Jazz trio, he is presenting his Solo-Piano concert: improvised music and compositions influenced by traditional Colombian Music and Jazz.
Rajando Leña is on a crusade to catapult Colombian music to the world. This is not Walt Disney!! This is a Colombian pianist bringing back memories of his ancestors. If you are not yet familiar with “palo parao,” “rajaleña” or “sanjuanero” you are in for a life changing experience .the emotions run deep .the feelings are passionate.As a jazz pianist band leader and composer Alex carefully dresses Colombian music in alternative outfits. Rajando Leña, champions music from the Huila region of Colombia .this means that a powerfully urban identity combines with tradicionals sounds.this is the way “Rajando Leña”will connect you with ancestral through the freedom of jazz .we live in a world that is often fast and confused with technology. Rajando Leña will help you navigate that world through anciente musica wisdom .if you have explore world music and jazz, Rajando Leña is likeky to be the next step on your journey.
Alex Pastrana has taken part in remarkable national and international contests such as: the 9th International Music Festival in Cartagena (2015), 4th Jazz Festival: “NeivaJazz” (2016), 32th International Piano Festival in Bucaramanga (2015), 18th Blues and Jazz Festival “La Libelula Dorada” (2014), 27th International “Teatro Libre” Jazz Festival with Tangram quartet (2014), 6th Mompox Jazz Festival (2017),, Colombia al Parque Festival (2011 and 2018), Mono Nuñez Festival (2015), Cootrafa Festival (2015, 2016). Winner of the 24th Bambuco National Festival in Pereira (2015),, Alex Pastrana has played in musical events in Antioquia University’s Main hall (2017), in Huila’s State Conservatory (2015, 2016), He was invited in 2017 to take part in the distrital Salsa Orchestra from IDARTES for the celebration of the 20th Salsa al Parque’s birthday. He won twice the series: republican bank’s young interpreters; likewise he was the winner with The Bara Group in the 30th international Teatro Libre Jazz Festival (2018) and lately he was the winner in the national call to take part in Bogota’s big band 2018-2019. He has worked as a music producer with artists such as Toquinho, Maria Escobar and Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto.
Colombian, Composer, Arranger, Artist of the prestigious brand of keyboards Nord and Musical producer, Pianist, undergraduate in Music (Honorable Mention) graduated from the Javeriana University. He was born in Neiva- Huila and one of his greatest characteristics is the versatility that is developed in every scenario he performs. Parallel to his Jazz trio, he is presenting his Solo-Piano concert: improvised music and compositions influenced by traditional Colombian Music and Jazz.
Rajando Leña is on a crusade to catapult Colombian music to the world. This is not Walt Disney!! This is a Colombian pianist bringing back memories of his ancestors. If you are not yet familiar with “palo parao,” “rajaleña” or “sanjuanero” you are in for a life changing experience .the emotions run deep .the feelings are passionate.As a jazz pianist band leader and composer Alex carefully dresses Colombian music in alternative outfits. Rajando Leña, champions music from the Huila region of Colombia .this means that a powerfully urban identity combines with tradicionals sounds.this is the way “Rajando Leña”will connect you with ancestral through the freedom of jazz .we live in a world that is often fast and confused with technology. Rajando Leña will help you navigate that world through anciente musica wisdom .if you have explore world music and jazz, Rajando Leña is likeky to be the next step on your journey.
Alex Pastrana has taken part in remarkable national and international contests such as: the 9th International Music Festival in Cartagena (2015), 4th Jazz Festival: “NeivaJazz” (2016), 32th International Piano Festival in Bucaramanga (2015), 18th Blues and Jazz Festival “La Libelula Dorada” (2014), 27th International “Teatro Libre” Jazz Festival with Tangram quartet (2014), 6th Mompox Jazz Festival (2017),, Colombia al Parque Festival (2011 and 2018), Mono Nuñez Festival (2015), Cootrafa Festival (2015, 2016). Winner of the 24th Bambuco National Festival in Pereira (2015),, Alex Pastrana has played in musical events in Antioquia University’s Main hall (2017), in Huila’s State Conservatory (2015, 2016), He was invited in 2017 to take part in the distrital Salsa Orchestra from IDARTES for the celebration of the 20th Salsa al Parque’s birthday. He won twice the series: republican bank’s young interpreters; likewise he was the winner with The Bara Group in the 30th international Teatro Libre Jazz Festival (2018) and lately he was the winner in the national call to take part in Bogota’s big band 2018-2019. He has worked as a music producer with artists such as Toquinho, Maria Escobar and Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto.
About Juan Felipe Mayorga:
Juan Felipe hails from the bustling metropolis of Bogotá, Colombia. He explores and fuses different sounds and influences as a drummer and composer. These range from straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Colombian, Brazilian, rock and pop music. Mayorga has shared the stage and recorded with many acclaimed musicians, Grammy and Latin Grammy Winners and/or nominees such as Samuel Torres, Hector Martignon, John Benitez, Manuel Valera, Luis Perdomo, Yosvany Terry, Peter Brainin, Alex Brown, Mike Eckroth, Boris Kozlov, Peter Slavov, Cristina Pato, Jon Davis, Edward Perez, Terraza Big Band, Chiemi Nakai, and Ross Nolan. He has performed in numerous prestigious festivals and venues throughout Colombia and the U.S. including Jazz Al Parque, Rock Al Parque, Festival de Jazz del Teatro Libre with Grammy nominated Hector Martignon, Branford Jazz Festival, Stowe Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, 55 Bar, The Shrine, Zinc Bar and Terraza 7 among others.
Mayorga also has extensive work in the world of musical theater as a regular substitute drummer for the Broadway production Hamilton: An American Musical playing at the Richard Rodger’s Theater in New York City.
Juan Felipe hails from the bustling metropolis of Bogotá, Colombia. He explores and fuses different sounds and influences as a drummer and composer. These range from straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Colombian, Brazilian, rock and pop music. Mayorga has shared the stage and recorded with many acclaimed musicians, Grammy and Latin Grammy Winners and/or nominees such as Samuel Torres, Hector Martignon, John Benitez, Manuel Valera, Luis Perdomo, Yosvany Terry, Peter Brainin, Alex Brown, Mike Eckroth, Boris Kozlov, Peter Slavov, Cristina Pato, Jon Davis, Edward Perez, Terraza Big Band, Chiemi Nakai, and Ross Nolan. He has performed in numerous prestigious festivals and venues throughout Colombia and the U.S. including Jazz Al Parque, Rock Al Parque, Festival de Jazz del Teatro Libre with Grammy nominated Hector Martignon, Branford Jazz Festival, Stowe Jazz Festival, Smalls Jazz Club, 55 Bar, The Shrine, Zinc Bar and Terraza 7 among others.
Mayorga also has extensive work in the world of musical theater as a regular substitute drummer for the Broadway production Hamilton: An American Musical playing at the Richard Rodger’s Theater in New York City.
Juan Felipe Mayorga is an active performer in New York City and teaches at the Greenwich House Music School, as well The Collective School of Music in the Latin Jazz program. He is currently preparing to release his first album (Earth) which is self-produced and consists of an all-original repertoire of compositions.
About Diego Alzate:
Colombian bassist Diego Alzate began his musical career in his native Medellin, where he performed at festivals such as “Medejazz” and the “University Jazz Festival” at the Metropolitan Theater. Later on, he moved to Europe, where he got a BA in Jazz Bass at the Prins Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, The Netherlands. Diego resides in New York City since 2017 and has been part of the city’s music scene and across the US since, performing at venues and festivals such as Terraza 7, Smithsonian Folk Fest in Washington, DC; the National Folk Fest in Salisbury, MD; Freight and Salvage in San Francisco, CA; and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA, with the Afro-Colombian band Grupo Rebolu.
Colombian bassist Diego Alzate began his musical career in his native Medellin, where he performed at festivals such as “Medejazz” and the “University Jazz Festival” at the Metropolitan Theater. Later on, he moved to Europe, where he got a BA in Jazz Bass at the Prins Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, The Netherlands. Diego resides in New York City since 2017 and has been part of the city’s music scene and across the US since, performing at venues and festivals such as Terraza 7, Smithsonian Folk Fest in Washington, DC; the National Folk Fest in Salisbury, MD; Freight and Salvage in San Francisco, CA; and the Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA, with the Afro-Colombian band Grupo Rebolu.
About Samuel Torres:
Samuel Torres – Percussion, Compositions, and Musical Direction.
Latin Grammy Award Winner Samuel Torres is one of today’s most versatile and formidable Latin jazz artists absorbing the richness of New York.
“Son Colombia” is inspired by Bullerengue tradition and confirms that this multifaceted musician’s prowess as a composer has come to rival his international acclaim as one of the best percussionists of his generation.
Torres was born in Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá and was nurtured in this culturally sophisticated metropolis where jazz and classical music share the stage with salsa and Colombian folkloric idioms. His earliest exposure to music came at home, thanks to an extended family of musicians and ready access to a wealth of Colombian genres. By the age of 12, Torres was performing with various Bogotá ensembles, developing techniques that allowed him to quickly adapt to the demands of jazz, pop music, and salsa. A classically trained percussionist, he earned a degree in Music Composition from Bogotá’s esteemed Universidad Javeriana. Before departing for the U.S. in 1999, the resourceful young artist had become an established figure on Colombia’s fertile music scene, backing leading Colombian performers while serving as an arranger and music director for his country’s highly regarded telenovelas (TV soap operas) and films.
Samuel Torres – Percussion, Compositions, and Musical Direction.
Latin Grammy Award Winner Samuel Torres is one of today’s most versatile and formidable Latin jazz artists absorbing the richness of New York.
“Son Colombia” is inspired by Bullerengue tradition and confirms that this multifaceted musician’s prowess as a composer has come to rival his international acclaim as one of the best percussionists of his generation.
Torres was born in Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá and was nurtured in this culturally sophisticated metropolis where jazz and classical music share the stage with salsa and Colombian folkloric idioms. His earliest exposure to music came at home, thanks to an extended family of musicians and ready access to a wealth of Colombian genres. By the age of 12, Torres was performing with various Bogotá ensembles, developing techniques that allowed him to quickly adapt to the demands of jazz, pop music, and salsa. A classically trained percussionist, he earned a degree in Music Composition from Bogotá’s esteemed Universidad Javeriana. Before departing for the U.S. in 1999, the resourceful young artist had become an established figure on Colombia’s fertile music scene, backing leading Colombian performers while serving as an arranger and music director for his country’s highly regarded telenovelas (TV soap operas) and films.
Shortly after arriving in the U.S., his career took a dramatic turn when he was tapped by famed trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval to join his group. Torres spent four years touring the world and recording with the jazz great, polishing his ever-expanding talents while attracting the attention of a long list of renowned artists with whom he would eventually collaborate. Over time, he would perform with a veritable “who’s who” of the jazz, Latin pop, and salsa world, including such luminaries as Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Don Byron, Claudio Roditi, Richard Bona, Poncho Sanchez, Lila Downs, Marc Anthony, Thalía, and his country’s own international superstar, Shakira. His talents have also been featured in concerts with the Boston Pops, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Nashville Symphony and at a host of music festivals around the world.
More recently Torres was awarded a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album with the production “Regreso,” an incredible project done in collaboration with the Nueva Filarmonía of Bogotá.