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Unique Latin vibes

Today, Latin jazz buffs have a date with the Rhythmic Prophecies Latin Jazz Ensemble when they perform for the first time in Sri Lanka, at the Barefoot gallery.

A presentation of the Embassy of the United States of America, and sponsored by the US Department of State and Jazz, at Lincoln Centre, the ensemble comprises young musicians who have incorporated many elements of indigenous music throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

Quite naturally percussion figures heavily in their music with Reinaldo De Jesus Corchado and Richie Barshay responsible for the percussion settings, while Luques Curtis a sophomore at Berklee, plays bass and Zaccai Curtis, who is currently pursuing his master's degree, is the exciting pianist who was recognised by Down Beat as a top piano performer. Richie Barshay performs regularly with Herbie Hancock and the Curtis Brothers with Donald Harrison. All three are currently working with trombonist Steve Davis in his sextet.

The Rhythmic Prophecies Latin Jazz Ensemble's repertoire consists of original compositions, as well as original arrangements of certain standards in the jazz idiom.

The Ensemble produce music that is their own, something that is unique - so remember to catch their performance today.(MP)

Leading bassist in LA

by Mahes Perera

To Hussain Jiffry bassist of the Al McKay Allstars coming back home is happiness untold. He arrived earlier than the band with his wife Neluka to enjoy the tranquil yet exciting scenic beauty of the country which he missed for the past four years while working a busy tour schedule in Los Angeles. The last time around in Sri Lanka was when he performed with the members of Amazing Grace at the concert held at the Taj Samudra in March 2004.

"When I went back, I worked with Sergio Mendis the Latin band, and quit the band two years ago. I worked with him for eight years and I thought it is time to look for something else, because I was interested in concentrating on writing and arranging straight ahead jazz, hip-hop, rock which kept me at home for a longer period of time. But that doesn't mean I don't tour at all.

I toured with Dave Weckl and his group when he performed in Australia and South Korea, and also in the East Coast tour. There was Yanni in January 2004 and this took us to the East and West Coast and Canada too, the Latin group Robert Kyle Quartet an Afro Cuban/Brazilian/r & b group and the six piece Brazilian outfit Samba Guru reveals Jiffry in that unassuming style which we are all so familiar with.

Expanding on his writing and arranging, Jiffry talked about his Jiffry Music Studio in Tarzana and his work which results in a five-day week schedule of writing music for CDs for up and coming musicians as well as established ones and composing jingles. He produced and arranged a CD for Ninsun Poli Swedish singer, drummer John Robert's CD, Funk Shui and recently co-produced singer Adam Jackson's solo jazz CD "I'm Glad There Is You". His wife Neluka a pianist, hails from a musical family and assists Jiffry in the studio.

"It's an honour to play with Al McKay" comments Jiffry "he is amazing and the finest rhythm guitarist. I've been playing with the Allstars since '96. To me Earth Wind and Fire now, without Al, is like a car without an engine. He is a strong force - the group uses no sequences, no machines, we are simply live....live....".

Tomorrow, Monday 20, Hussain Jiffry has been invited to hold a workshop at TABU Maitland Crescent from 1.30 p.m.-4.00 p.m. Bassists and musicians are welcom to attend.

Sa goes to Kandy

Fans of the renowned singer Victor Ratnayake will have the opportunity to enjoy his music at his Sa concert which will be held on Saturday, March 4, at the Auditorium of Dharmaraja College, Kandy, at 6.30 pm.

The show, presented by the Old Rajans Scout Association of Dharmaraja College, Kandy is a fund-raiser for the Lake View Park International Scout Centre.

This concert by Victor Ratnayake will be the 1350th Sa concert of the singer and the event will be the first in a series of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1st Kandy Dharmaraja Scout Group which falls in 2013.

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