Cyrille Aimee's unique blend of French gypsy jazz and Dominican rhythm and spice combine to create an unmistakably smooth and driving vocal style.  Growing up with the French Gypsies in Samois sur Seine brought her into the musical mentality that produced such legends as Django Reinhardt.  

Diego Figueiredo is considered to be one of the most talented guitarists in the world.  Diego has a lot of albums and books on the market and is now presenting his new concert "From Classical, to Jazz" which is a fusion between jazz, bossa and classical music.

Diego's strong emotion and incredible technique blend perfectly with Cyrille's bold and beautiful vocal interpretations to form and original, yet timeless sound.  Influences drawn from across the globe can be found in each song. 

"Django Reinhardt is the showerhead from which we all come down," says Hot Club of Detroit guitarist and bandleader Evan Perri.  "But if he had lived, I don't think he would've been playing the same things he had in prior years.  He was constantly evolving as a jazz musician."  The Hot Club of Detroit has undergone a similar evolution since Perri formed the group in 2003.  It's become evident that their inspiration comes as much from the spirit of Reinhardt's playing as by its much-copied sound.  While they've maintained some recognizable elements, the Motor City quintet apply those elements to a decidedly modern sound, refusing to be constrained by allegiance to some time-honored, purist ideal.

In 2005 former Maraca member Wil Campa founded what is today one of the most exciting groups of talented musicians and performers to come out of Cuba in decades: Wil Campa y Su Gran Union.  The internationally acclaimed 13-piece orchestra has been touring Europe and Canada since its inception and entered the US in the summer of 2010.  Wil's music is influenced by the styles of the 40s and the 70s eras, thus creating his own style by mixing the rhythms of both generations, the "Son." 

Lucien Barbarin is recognized as one of the finest practitioners of traditional jazz trombone in the world today.  He is highly regarded for both his audience-thrilling live performances and his recordings.  Born in New Orleans, Lucien has worked and traveled with some of the biggest names in jazz music, including Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Lionel Hampton and Kermit Ruffins.  Lucien has thrilled audiences world-wide as a featured performer with Harry Connick, Jr.'s Big Band, most notably with the song, "Luscious."  A favorite with fans, "Luscious," was written by Harry specifically with Lucien and showcases his many talents.

Lucien Barbarin is recognized as one of the finest practitioners of traditional jazz trombone in the world today.  He is highly regarded for both his audience-thrilling live performances and his recordings.  Born in New Orleans, Lucien has worked and traveled with some of the biggest names in jazz music, including Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Lionel Hampton and Kermit Ruffins.  Lucien has thrilled audiences world-wide as a featured performer with Harry Connick, Jr.'s Big Band, most notably with the song, "Luscious."  A favorite with fans, "Luscious," was written by Harry specifically with Lucien and showcases his many talents.

Bassist extraordinaire, composer, educator, curator and administrator, Christian McBride has been one of the most important and omnipresent figures in the jazz world for over 20 years.  He is the JAS Distinguished Artist In Residence and Artistic Director of the former JAS Academy Summer Sessions.

Russell Malone has been a significant figure in the jazz world for more than two decades.  On "Triple Play," his ninth string series release, he once again cements his reputation as a pre-eminent jazz guitarist, composer and bandleader.  

Malone is a integral member of bands led by Grammy Award-winning artists including the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, vocalist Dianne Reeves and bassist Ron Carter.  He has played with a wide range of musicians from different music idioms including BB King, Christina Aguilera, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Ray Brown and, Peabo Bryson. 

Search for Raul Midon on YouTube and you'll find a clip of the New York-based vocalist, guitarist and songwriter appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2006.  Performing "State of Mind," the title track from his 2005 debut album, Midon unleashes a silky, soulful tenor and dazzling percussive guitar style - a syncopated, flamenco-and jazz infused approach in which bass, harmony, and melodic lines emanate from the fretboard in one slap-happy storm.  If that weren't enough, Midon busts out his improvisational mouth horn technique, in which he creates a bebop "trumpet" solo entirely with his lips, earning himself a spontaneous burst of mid-song applause from the audience.  It's a virtuosic performance, and one that reveals what has made Midon such an exciting artist to watch over the past few years.

 

Search for Raul Midon on YouTube and you'll find a clip of the New York-based vocalist, guitarist and songwriter appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2006.  Performing "State of Mind," the title track from his 2005 debut album, Midon unleashes a silky, soulful tenor and dazzling percussive guitar style - a syncopated, flamenco-and jazz infused approach in which bass, harmony, and melodic lines emanate from the fretboard in one slap-happy storm.  If that weren't enough, Midon busts out his improvisational mouth horn technique, in which he creates a bebop "trumpet" solo entirely with his lips, earning himself a spontaneous burst of mid-song applause from the audience.  It's a virtuosic performance, and one that reveals what has made Midon such an exciting artist to watch over the past few years.

 

Russell Malone has been a significant figure in the jazz world for more than two decades.  On "Triple Play," his ninth string series release, he once again cements his reputation as a pre-eminent jazz guitarist, composer and bandleader.  

Malone is a integral member of bands led by Grammy Award-winning artists including the legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, vocalist Dianne Reeves and bassist Ron Carter.  He has played with a wide range of musicians from different music idioms including BB King, Christina Aguilera, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Ray Brown and, Peabo Bryson.