Butterscotch, USA

 Beat boxing, guitar and piano

Butterscotch is a singer/beatboxer who incorporates her musical background of piano, guitar and bass into her compositions and performances. She is heavily influenced by jazz, classical, hip hop and R&B artists, ranging from Chopin, Stevie Wonder to John Coltrane.

Now Butterscotch is an internationally recognized vocal artist, most popularly known for her appearance on NBC's "America's Got Talent" as a finalist.

Butterscotch has performed with music legends Earth, Wind & Fire, Chick Corea, Lenny White, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Patti Austin, to name a few, and has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder. She is featured on albums by SMV (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten) and on George Benson’s latest project “Song’s & Stories”.

As special feature artist at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, she was highly praised by Quincy Jones along with the Festival Director Claude Nobb.

After having these amazing experiences, Butterscotch is getting ready to release her own EP. Her single, entitled “Perfect Harmony”.

Website: www.butterscotchmusic.com

Partner:

Diego Figueiredo Trio, Brazil

Diego Figueiredo - Acoustic guitar

Alexandre Cunha - Drums

Eduardo Machado - Bass

“One of the greatest guitarists I’ve seen in my whole life” ---------   George Benson 2007

Diego Figueiredo was born in Brazil, in 1980. Diego played many instruments before choosing the electric guitar when he was twelve, playing in theaters and local pubs, revealing the great art of improvising and harmonizing. At 15, he conquered theaters and nightclubs in many different Brazilian states, playing solo or with renowned musicians.

Besides being a guitar player, Diego is a producer, arranger, orchestrator, multi-instrumentalist.

Diego has performed around Europe and in the USA with his unique technique and sensitivity, and once shared stage with John Scofield and The Yellowjackets. For over a decade, Diego has performed frequently at La Paz Festijazz, Bolivia, and was invited by the Symphonic Orchestra of La Paz to take part in the recordings of a CD and a DVD to honor Tom Jobim entitled ‘Jobim de los Andes’.

“Dear Diego: I listened to your CD “Segundas Intenções” and it was a magical moment. When I go to Brazil I would like to play together with you” ---------- Pat Metheny

Website: www.diegofigueiredo.net

Partner:

Eliane Amherd Trio, Switzerland/USA/Canada

Eliane Amherd - Guitars & vocal

Bob Mocarsky - Piano & keyboard

Sylvain Gagnon - Bass

The amazing Swiss born and New York based singer/guitarist/songwriter Eliane Amherd introduces audiences to the freshest new talent to come into the world of Jazz, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian music in a very long time.

Eliane is one of the hottest forces of the New York City Jazz, Brazilian and Latin scene and her  charm and strong stage presence have won over  audience everywhere she appears. Besides her performances as a leader or a featured artist in New York’s most famous clubs, such as SOB’s, Joe’s Pub, Zinc Bar, the Jazz Standard, the Blue Note, Nuyorican Poets Cafe etc. , she also tours in North and South America, Canada, Europe and Asia.  

Eliane has worked with greats such as Randy Brecker, Marc Ribot, Michael Carvin, Bill Ware, Jovino Santos Neto etc. Her song “as If” can be heard in the award winning movie “Approaching Union Square” and her voice is featured on Jeremy Mage's song "Slippery Light" appearing on the NBC hit TV series "Lipstick Jungle".

Eliane is hailed as “one of the very best singers in New York” by trumpeter Randy Brecker and “a terrific guitarist” by Marc Ribot, who exclaims, “Eliane rocks!”

Website: http://elianeperforms.com

Partner:

EYOT, Serbia

Dejan Ilijic - Piano

Sladjan Milenovic – Guitar

Milos Vojvodic – Drums

Marko Stojiljkovic – Bass

EYOT is the band from Serbia. Their music represents the musicians hungering for a fresh sound, blending the culture of jazz, the sophistication of classical piano, the gritty elements of East European folk music, and just a hint of smooth electronic fusion.  In 2009 they were one of the three winners of Umbria Jazz Balkanic Windows Competition, and many domestic and international festivals followed later (Nišvill Jazz Fest, World of Jazz in Dubai, DOKfest in Munich, Alarma Punk Jazz in Sofia, Veisa Jazz / Saransk, Midem Off / Cannes...), along with club gigs on regular basis.

In 2010/2011 they had their debut album “Horizon” launched in USA, Croatia and Serbia. The most prominent jazz web-site "All About Jazz" voted them as Video of the day & Mp3 of the day.

" EYOT has made an emphatic and impressive recording debut."
Bruce Lindsay / www.allaboutjazz.com

“ GREAT variations of sound. DO NOT SKIP THIS ONE. It’s so much more than just jazz.”  www.thesirenssound.com

EYOT is a winner of the MIDEM OFF 2012 Competition

Website:www.eyotmusic.net

Partner:

Ines Trickovic Sextet, Croatia

Luka Zuzic - Arrangements & trombone

Hrvoje Galler - Piano

Zvonimir Sestak - Double bass

Grgur Savic - Saxophones

Krunoslav Levacic - Drums & percussions

Ines Trickovic - Vocal

This is a special project initiated  by Ines Trickovic and some of the most respected jazz musicians of the new generation in Croatia.

The music paid tribute to the most famous Croatian composer Zdenko Runjic (1942-2004) with the contemporary and jazz music outfit. Their mission is to bring to the world a piece of their cultural heritage and their own style through the universal language of jazz.

Website:

Support:


Istria County, Croatia

Jacob Karlzon 3, Sweden

Jacob Karlzon - Piano/ & keyboards

Hans Anderson - Bass

Jonas Holgersson - Drums

Jacob Karlzon’s music resides in the intersections where Scandinavian expressions such as space, melancholy and sensitivity blend with heat and passion. 

He has been compared to such luminaries as Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans. His playing style boasts technical brilliance, great rhythmic and harmonic complexity and a perfect feeling for form.

His first album came out in 1992, since then he has recorded five more in his own name, and featured on at least 40 others. In 1997 he won the Jazz in Sweden award and was voted Newcomer of the Year by Swedish Radio. In 2010 he was voted Musician of the Year by Swedish Radio’s, and was rewarded the Django d’Or as Contemporary Star of Jazz.

He has played with many other leading jazz musicians: Billy Cobham, Kenny Wheeler, Bob Berg, Tim Hagans, Jeff Ballard, Nils Landgren, to name but a few.

The most important forum for Jacob, however, is his own trio. JK3 has been touring in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany and UK playing in clubs and festivals for raving audiences and critics. He just released his new album  MORE on ACT records.

Website: www.jacobkarlzon.com

Support:

Li Gao Yang Quartet,China/USA/Australia

Li Gao Yang - Saxophones & EWI

Jim Schneider - Piano

Peter Scherr - Bass

Cameron Reid - Drums

Gaoyang Lientered Middle School Affiliated to the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts and was major in MIDI Arranger.

In addition to studying the courses, Li is dedicated to saxophone and improvisation and has written a book called 《The Introduction of Saxophone》. He has rich experience working with famous performers of saxophone around the world and participated in various festivals around Beijing and Shanghai. In June, 2010, he took part in the work of adapting the nursery rhyme 《A Bird》 to a saxophone version and acted as the saxophone player in the Fourteenth CCTV Young Singer Grand Prix. In the end he helped Fujia Cao, the singer, win the silver award of the contest.

Li is active in the music circles in Beijing. He performs as the chief alto saxophonist in Beijing Jungle Big Band (former Beijing Jazz Band)、 CD Blues Swing Band and Afrokoko Roots, and establishes his own band Gaoyang Li Trio and Gaoyang Li Quartet. Li has been praised as the “jazz power with rich originality and strength” by the media.

Website: www.lgyjazz.com 

Partner:

Luca Ciarla Quartet, Italy

Luca Ciarla - Violin, electric violin & loop machine

Vince Abbracciante - Accordion

Nicola Di Camillo - Double bass & acoustic bass

Francesco Savoretti - Percussions & drums

Luca Ciarla is one of the most creative and surprising Italian violinists nowadays. His music easily transcends the boundaries among genres to trace an innovative musical path, in perfect balance between written compositions and improvisation. 

Ciarla pursued a master’s degree at the Indiana University and completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Arizona.

Winner of several competitions in Italy and abroad, in 1999 Ciarla has been awarded by New York-based Chamber Music America.  He has been working with classical, jazz, folk and even rock musicians such as Greg Cohen, Daniele Sepe, Joshua Bell, Edgar Mayer, Danilo Rea, Sylvain Gagnon, Andrea Piccioni, Simone Zanchini, and many more.

His unique style has led him to successfully perform in countless festivals and concert series of jazz, classical and world music festivals in more than thirty countries.

“Luca Ciarla has wooed the classical, jazz and folk crowds with his originality.” - Cover Magazine (Hong Kong)

Website: www.lucaciarla.com

Support:

Signe Juhl Quartet, Denmark

Signe Juhl – Vocal

Bo Møller – Guitar

Niels Kvist – Bass

Casper Mikkelsen – Drums

Signe Juhl is born and raised on the west coast in Denmark. From an early age she began to play the piano and compose her own songs, inspired by the nature and the people around her.

At the age of 20 she entered The Academy of Music and Dramatic.  Signe was “discovered” by the former leader of the Danish National Big Band, Nikolaj Bentzon. Overwhelmed by her voice, a CD“Silvertongued” was recorded between them.  The release concert took place at the legendary jazz club “Montmartre” in the heart of Copenhagen.

Critics claim her to be the new rising star on the Danish jazz scene. Besides jazz, she is inspired by folk music from all over the world.

Website: www.myspace.com/signejuhl

Support:
  

The Buzz Bros Band, Holland (Cancel)

Erik Robaard - Double bass

Marnix Busstra - Guitars, electric sitar & bouzouki

Berthil Busstra - Fender Rhodes & keyboards

Marc Schenk - Drums

“…adventurous, freely interpreted electric acoustic funky jazz ………….”

The Buzz Bros Band, a Dutch jazz quartet, is an initiative of guitarist Marnix Busstra and his brother pianist Berthil Busstra. In its first decade, the band has played all over the world, including Europe, India, China, and Indonesia. Wherever the quartet performs, their specific sound and their inspiring musical approach always charms the audience.

The music of the band is inspired by a myriad of musical styles, periods, and cultures, ranging from Miles Davis’ sixties jazz, to pop and soul music from the seventies, and music from India, Ireland, Africa, and Asia.

Merging these influences into a distinct, groovy and melodic entity, the band has created a concept that is both unique and contagious. Add to that the acoustic sound of the double bass, a drummer who uses brushes only, a timeworn Fender Rhodes piano, and the usage of a bouzouki and an electric sitar, what you get is the inimitable sound of The Buzz Bros Band.

The start of 2012 marked a next step in the development of the band, in introducing a new rhythm tandem. The Buzz Brothers are now joined by bassist Erik Robaard and drummer Marc Schenk. Together, the quartet is more than ready for a series of musical trips around the world.

Website: 

http://www.buzzmusic.nl 
http://www.buzzbrosband.nl

Partner:

The Jimmy Cobb, Larry Coryell, Joey DeFrancesco All Star Trio

The Jimmy Cobb - Drums

Larry Coryell - Guitars

Joey DeFrancesco - Hammond B3 organ

Legendary jazz drummer, Jimmy Cobb, is the elder statesman of all the incredible Miles Davis bands. Jimmy’s inspirational work with Miles, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly spanned from 1957 until 1963, and included the masterpiece "Kind of Blue", the most popular jazz recording in history.

Larry Coryell deserves a special place in the history books as one of the pioneers of jazz-rock. He brought an alien sensibility to jazz electric guitar playing in the 1960s. As a true eclectic, armed with a brilliant technique, he is comfortable in almost every style, covering almost every base from the most distortion-laden electric work to the most delicate, soothing, intricate lines on acoustic guitar.

At the age of 10 years old, virtuoso Joey DeFrancesco was playing gigs with legendary musicians like Philly Joe Jones and Hank Mobley.  He signed his first recording contract with Columbia Records at the age of 16 and joined Miles Davis' group in the late Eighties. The two-time Grammy Nominee, recognized as the Master of the Jazz Organ, has put out over 20 recordings as a leader and continues to collaborate with some of the top names in modern jazz.  Joey DeFrancesco is one of the jazz scene's true pioneers.

This All Star Trio comes together in their latest recording, “Wonderful! Wonderful!” to celebrate the spectacular past of jazz as well as its future.

Website: http://www.theamiagency.com/bio/jimmy-cobb-larry-coryell-joey-defrancesco-all-star-trio

Partner:

Alexander Fung & His Cello Quartet feat. Arai Soichiro & Ho Shan

Alexander Fung - Synth, piano & vocal

Arai Soichiro - Drums & Percussions

Ho Shan - DJ , electric guitar and programming

Scott Dodd - Upright Bass

Cello Quartet

Edgar, Hung
Anna, Kwan
Yo Chung, Chen
Ya-ling, Song

Alexander HM Fung

Pianist, Sound Designer, Keyboardist, Music Director, Singer-songwriter and Music Producer. 

Born in 1979 and raised in Hong Kong, Alex Fung received the Diploma of Piano Performance from the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) at the age of 12.  Alex Fung furthered on his studies in Acid Jazz at Berklee College of Music, and gained his bachelor degree in Music Production & Engineering.

In 2002, Alex returned to Hong Kong and engaged himself in the Pop Music Industry as a Producer, Arranger, Composer and Orchestration. From then on, he has been producing over three hundred songs for performing artists in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, winning many major music awards and recognitions from the media.

In 2011, Alex begins his journey in pursuing his own music composition.  Inspired by the 5000 years history of Chinese poetries, songs, and poetic lyrics & composite , Alex attempts to explore into unique blend of Chinese sonical elements with Electronics Jazz Music , resonated from the old traditional poetic rhymes. 

Alex will also be performing and touring with Hiromi Uehara, Herbie Hancock and other international Jazz Artist in the near future.

Partner:

Wouter Hamel, The Netherlands

Wouter Hamel  - Vocal

Rory Ronde - Guitar

Sven Happel - Bass

Jasper van Hulten - Drums

Thierry Castel - Piano

Wouter Hamel (born 1977) is a Dutch jazz singer. He released his debut album ‘Hamel’ in March 2007. Hamel’s style has been compared to Jamie Cullum and Mel Tormé.

After winning the Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition in 2005, Hamel received significant attention from the Dutch media. He has since performed on several television shows and on the internationally-known North Sea Jazz Festival. His debut album, for which he wrote all of the twelve songs, was released to critical acclaim. It peaked at on the Dutch Albums Top 100. Hamel also released the song “Breezy” as a single in Japan, where it reached on the Tokio Hot 100 chart.

Website: www.hamelmusic.com

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