PRESS RELEASE - 21 Oct. 2011

Afro-Latin Rhythms to Jazz up the Baithak at Hotel Shangri-La

The Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 the new feature “ Afro-Latin Jam” is on Sunday 23 rd October from 7pm to 10pm at the Baithak (old jazz bar) of Hotel Shangri-La in Lazimpat, for a unique evening of authentic, warm and exotic Afro-Cuban sounds of the Caribbean with the band Cuban League followed by Jazzmandu artists jamming to the grooves of Afro-Latin Jazz.

Kathmandu, 21 October 2011 – The Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 special Afro-Latin feature, the Afro-Latin Jam, will enchant again those who got a first taste of these exotic rhythms during the Valley Jams at Jazz Upstairs. Those who missed the first performance of the ever enthusiastic and lively Cuban League should not miss the opportunity to embark on exotic grooves and get their legs moving and heart pulsating to the Afro-Latin Jam that will jazz up the Shangri-La Hotel old jazz bar, the Baithak on Sunday 23 rd Oct. from 7pm.

Bass player Yunior Terry had announced before the Valley Jams that “ the music will be a flight to Cuba and everyone is welcome on board.” Eager to share their love and emotions for their native land and their passion for the musical legacy of Cuba, he now adds: “ Do not be late and do not miss this flight because we will depart soon and the next one it is not scheduled yet...”  As the band will be leaving Nepal the next day, this is indeed a not-to-be-missed last opportunity to discover a colourful heaven of emotions and rhythms with The Cuban League. Cuban legend Xiomara Laugart's sensual vocals will once more undoubtedly cast a spell on her audience, while Yunior Terry's exciting bass playing and pianist virtuoso Alex Tosca Laugart will get you surfing exotic waves of rhythms and grooves for an unforgettable and magical journey to the distant musical shores of their origins.

Afro-Cuban jazz. also termed Afro-Latin jazz, mixes African and Cuban rhythms and harmonies in a fusion style that has gained immense popularity and has been influential over the years. Its inception dates back to the 1930s when the American trumpet jazz legend Dizzy Gillepsie met with Cuban trumpet/saxophonist Mario Bauza and Cuban conguero Chano Pozo. In that period, Cuban musicians were touring American cities especially New Orleans, the legendary birth place of Jazz. Together with other fellow musicians they developed a new style called at that time “Cubop”, a contraption of Cuban and the American Bebop. The musical heritages of both Cuba and New-Orleans, with their specific musical influences and a unique blend of European instruments and African rhythms, resulted in the increasingly popular Afro-Cuban Jazz, or Afro-Latin jazz. Let your feet be swept away by the infectious rhythms of the Cuban League for a musical journey to remember.

The Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 Afro-Latin Jam is a unique opportunity to enjoy top-notch performances with a true Latin flavour that will transport us to far away shores. Do not miss this Afro-Jazz-Air flight on 23 rd October from 7pm to 10pm at the Baithak in Hotel Shangri-La.

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For more details such as programme schedule, bands' bios, photos, etc. visit:
•  Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 website at www.jazzmandu.com
•  Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 Press page at http://jazzmandu.org/press.html

For more information contact JazzmanduReporter@gmx.com
Sonia Josserand-Mercier: 9808703740 or Roman Gautam: 9841736959