The class is offered for pianists, Drummers, Wind Players, String Players and Vocalists. The Class uses a variety of techniques pulled from the traditions of American Jazz, Africa, Latin America and World Music to Stimulate Creativity and develops improvisational skills. Classes include: The Art of Improvisation, Scales and Chords, Rhythmic Concepts, Latin Jazz- Montuno and Clave, Jazz Harmony, Jazz Theory, Composition, Arranging. Meditation, Inner Listening, Performance and Practice Techniques, …

ManDido began exploring hand drumming as a young man of sixteen growing up in Watts, South Central Los Angeles, California. Musical influences included jazz, bebop and other popular styles. In 1970, he immigrated to Montreal, Canada, where he lived for ten years. During that time he worked on studio and performance projects with many musicians, including Gino Vannelli. He toured for three years and recorded a total of three albums with Gino. ManDido moved to Vancouver, in 1980, and immediately b …

From 1998 to 2002 The Kokopelli Latin Jazz Ensemble was one of the most creative and popular groups in Southern California. KOKOPELLI performed for 6 years at Croce's Jazz Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Festival appearances include: The Big Sur Jazz Festival, The Idyllwild Jazz Festival, and The Calle Diez Latin Festival. They have opened up for Eddie Palmieri, Pancho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Jane Bunnet and The Spirits of Havana. The group became inactive in 2004 when drummer Skip Ho …

The Cellar in Vancouver is exactly that. You go down a flight of stairs to enter an intimate and tastefully appointed old school Jazz Club. The red walls are adorned with black and White photos of Jazz Artists, and behind the small stage, graced with a shining baby grand piano, hangs thick black curtains. Dinner is served at the small tables and the food is delicious and served almost silently. Cellar Co-owner Cory Weeds, (who is also an amazing alto saxophonist) welcomes the audience and re

Tenor Saxophonist Bobby Martinez debuted his new group "Latin Elation" at the opening of a new series of Latin Jazz nights hosted by a new club in Madrid called "Shaman" which will feature every Thursday night in November some of the best Latin Jazz artists in Madrid. The regular trumpet player with Latin Elation was unable to perform this night and to take his place Bobby recruited his friend and neighbor, fellow tenor saxophonist Inoidel Gonzalez Torres, who I was delighted to see as he is