Fredrik Kronkvist AFRO-CUBAN SUPREME feat. Miriam Aida, Eliel Lazo & Jason Marsalis
Alto saxophone star Fredrik Kronkvist delivers his eclectic mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Coltrane inspired jazz and in an adventurous and colorful musical experience. New views on Latin-Jazz gives us an explosive rhythm fiesta that touches both body and soul
Fredrik Kronkvist – saxophones, flutes and bass clarinet
Miriam Aïda – vocals
Martin Sjöstedt – piano
Johnny Åman – bass
Eliel Lazo – congas
Jason Marsalis – drums
Inspired by Dizzy Gillespie’s idea of bringing together people, music and rhythms from different continents and countries, the award-winning and Swedish Grammy nominated alto saxophonist Fredrik Kronkvist has created a diverse mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Coltrane-influenced jazz with his new group Afro-Cuban Supreme.
On the occasion of Dizzy’s 100-year anniversary in 2017 Fredrik Kronkvist releases the album Afro-Cuban Supreme with superstars Jason Marsalis(USA) on drums, conga virtuoso Eliel Lazo(CUB) and Miriam Aïda(MAR/SWE) on vocals.
The music ranges from legendary songs like A Night in Tunisia, Afro Blue and Manteca in eventful arrangements to exciting original compositions with contemporary approaches to timeless Latin Jazz.
Fredrik Kronkvist AFRO-CUBAN SUPREME – Artist Info:
ENGLISH VERSION:
FREDRIK KRONKVIST
The powerful and soulful alto man Fredrik Kronkvist is considered one of the finest alto saxophonists on the scene and takes charge whenever he is in the spotlight.
Fredrik is an award-winning saxophonist and he has several albums out as a leader.
Both his writing and improvisational skills are on display when he gives the audience his experience in drawing the heat from a tune with his big sound.
Fredrik belongs to some of Sweden’s greatest jazz musicians playing with international constellations in collaboration with musicians such as Aaron Goldberg, Reuben Rogers, Gregory Hutchinson, Antonio Sanchez, Marcus Strickland and others. Fredrik has 13 records out as artistic director and the two albums New York Elements (2012) and Reflecting Time (2014) have both received superb attention for instance in Downbeat (4/5 **** Best Albums 2012) and Orkesterjournalen (5/5 *****).
Fredrik Kronkvist’s album Monk Vibes with Jason Marsalis on vibraphone was nominated for a Swedish Grammy 2016.
MIRIAM AÏDA
“A versatile artist, colorful, headstrong, bold and personal. A winner who twists and turns the familiar and create new perspectives for us all.” That was the justification for Artist of the Year at Folk & World Music Awards, a prize Miriam was awarded in 2012. Miriam Aida was presented for the first time on disc by Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival artistic director Jan Lundgren in 2001 and her name is well known on the jazz scene in Sweden and internationally. After the album debut, she has released eight albums. The albums has got a very successful reception and taken Miriam’s versatility to the major festivals and concert halls in Europe, Aisa and South America.
JASON MARSALIS
Jason Marsalis is the youngest brother of the famous Marsalis family where he together with Wynton and Branford belong to some of jazz’s most sought after name.
Jason is often heard as a drummer in groups with legendary Marcus Roberts Trio Marsalis Family Band, Snarky Puppy and others.
ELIEL LAZO
Eliel Lazo is one of the most unique percussionists performing today. His latest album EL CONGUERO, distills the essence of Afro- Cuban music, and Eliel Lazos carries on the tradition with immense originality and virtuosity. He studied at Oscar Valdes’ school, former percussionist and singer the IRAKERE band. In 2003, at the age of 19, Eliel won the prestigious Percuba International Percussion Prize. Eliel is in demand everywhere, and many Cuban as well as international artists have utilized Lazo’s talent: Chucho Valdes, Changuito, Tata Guines, Herbie Hancock, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Shorter, Oscar Valdes, Carlos del Puerto, Brian Blade, Dianne Reeves, John Pattitucci, Airto Moreira, Dave Holland and many others.
JOHNNY ÅMAN
Johnny Åman is constantly on world tour with different groups as he is one of the jazz scenes most in demand bass players. Originally from Finland and has his home base in Sweden Johnny is collaborating with some of the greatest jazz stars in the world like Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Dave Liebman, Jukkis Uotilla, Marcus Strickland, Tony Malaby, Gilad Hexelman a.o.
MARTIN SJÖSTEDT
Martin Sjöstedt is one of Sweden’s major international jazz personalities who has played with musicians like Joey Calderazzo, Jeff Tain Watts, Joe Lovano, Dee Dee Bridgewater and many more and has a sense of rhythm that only few have.