El Taller Latino Americano
The Latin American Workshop
|
 |
Broadway Uptown Music
2710 Broadway (corner of 104th)
(212) 665-9460
|
 |
September
|
October
|
November
|
December
|
|
Nina Simone meets James Brown |
Paula Larke hosts an open mike/sing-along plus performances by special guests |
Traditional and contemporary music from West Africa |
Salsa Lessons, Live Music with Paula Larke, Raffles and more!
|
|
Afro-Indigenous Dominican & Haitian Folkloric Ensemble |
From the north of Brazil |
A voice and a piano to remember |
Fri. 13th — 8 pm
Abayala
The magic of Peru
|
|
Jazz and more from Venezuela |
|
Paula Larke hosts an open mike/sing-along plus performances by special guests |
Fusing classic pop with the rhythms of Central America, Brazil, the Caribbean, and West Africa.
|
|
From the north of Brazil |
Original Jazz at its finest
|
performing an evening of original songs
|
Rueda de Casino workshop followed by live music with Cafe con Leche and Grupo Oriki
|
|
Jazz and beyond |
Avant barrio meets the Chilean Cueca |
A night of blues
|
|
|
A cross-cultural evening of songs in Spanish, French, Italian, English and Kreyol. |
A night of ballads
|
|
|
|
Afro-Columbian rhythms meets jazz
|
|
|
|
Flamenco Song and Dance
|
|
Tickets: $10 (unless otherwise noted)
Senior citizens admission price is always $8 with I.D.
Accompanied children 10 years old and under always get Free Admission.
El Taller reserves the right to change programming at any time.
|
|
|
|
 A warm heart and big spirit who loves
to sing in multi cultural harmonies, Paula Larke plays guitar, banjo, and bass in a style all her own. She's been called "a cross between Nina Simone and James Brown" - a tribute to
the wide range of musical emotions she shares so generously with her audiences. Paula's style is inviting, thoughtful and joyful. It is good to be in her musical presence, good to laugh with her
frank and unselfconscious humor.
On September 7th Paula presents her most recent recording project "Precious Gifts" - a special product of her residency at the Riverside Church this past year. Precious Gifts was
recorded this spring at El Taller, with Jaime Holguin of (Jaime's Group) serving as first recording engineer. It is a mix of Paula's unique harmonies and arrangements of traditional spirituals and
various members of the Riverside church staff and congregation singing or speaking in the culture of their ancestors. Paula, Kandolo Kalanga, and Michelle Harvey will perform songs from her
recording. A specially invited, mixed cultural collaboration of instrumentalists, vocalists, and spoken word artists will also perform later in the evening with Paula. Siraj, musician and producer
who mixed and also recorded tracks on Precious Gifts, will be technical director and a featured performer for the evening .
This CD party is also a kick-off party for a season of Paula and Friends at El Taller, taking place on the First Thursdays of October, November and December.
|
 Pa'Lo monte is a musical ensemble that
performs the traditional rhythms and melodies of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, keeping alive the musical styles of Palo; Salves; Gaga; Congo and Sarandunga . Their mission is to preserve and
popularize the African and Indigenous cultural traditions of Dominican and Haitian people and strengthen the level of respect for the traditions and value of their ancestors.
Through their performance, workshops, and lectures they seek to keep alive the organization and work of the Cofradis, Bateyes and other expressions found throughout the Island that point to the
strength of African and Indigenous tradition and a continuing legacy of resistance. Through their work they seek to help unify the Dominican and Haitian communities, as well as communities throughout
the Americas and the Caribbean -- part of a large movement to create balance and right the wrongs of the past and the present.
The sounds of Pa'Lo monte are the sounds of Africa alive in the Americas mixed with the voices of indigenous ancestors. They are the sound of Vodoun and are guaranteed to elevate the
soul.
Silvestre Wallace -- José Figueroa -- Manuela Archiniegas -- Julio "el ñoño" Alequin --
Omar Freilla -- Raquel Z. Rivera -- Willy Marchena
|
 With a mix of Hungarian-Austrian and
Venezuelan roots, Eugenia Méndez Liska, born in Caracas, began piano lessons at 3. Studying piano in Venezuelan conservatories, she participated in Venezuela's main Corals as
solo soprano, and from 18, has been performing as jazz singer with important musicians in Venezuela, Mexico , Germany and Austria. She is graduated in piano and musical pedagogy from
Heidelberg-Mannheim Superior University Arts and Music School, in Badem Wurtemberg, Germany.
Federico Pacanins a Jazz and Urban music producer in Venezuela named her "a complete musician master, performing with her two instruments –– vocal and piano –– a delicate
and serious Urban Latin musical message". And from Xabiel Sarabia in Primicia Magazine, "She arranges, plays the piano and sings combining popular and Latin folklore styles in
her own Jazz language. When we listen to her we can hear a modern Sarah Vaughn or Betty Carter voice."
After the launching of her First CD, "Afinidades", she has been performing in Jazz Festivals and Jazz clubs in Mexico City, Vienna, Sttudgart, Miami, and now in NYC she launches her US presentations
at El Taller Latinoamericano. Eugenia recently finished a second CD in Germany to be launched this coming November with a very special and elaborated musical message.
 For her performance at El Taller Eugenia will be accompanied by Gustavo Carucci (
Guitar, Bass and Cuatro) an extraordinary Venezuelan musician with a long experience and International exposure with artists like María Martha Serra Lima, Chucho Avellanét, Arturo
Sandoval, Dave Samuels, Joel Rosemblat, Rubén Blades, Nestor Torres, Cheo Feliciano, Roberto Perera, Dave Valentin, Charlie Sepúlveda, Danny Rivera (CD), Giovanni Hidalgo, D'Javan, Rick
Wakeman, Earth Wind & Fire, Chuck Manggione , Tania Libertad y Hermeto Pascoal......
Eugenia Mendez: Vocals, Piano –– Gustavo Carucci: Guitar, Bass and Cuatro
|
|
|
A smoke-free, alcohol-free evening of good music, good words and friends.
Hosted by Paula Larke, the evening will feature a performance of Paula with special guests, "a very special musical and spoken word jam fest funky latino open mike." (Paula's words) and a
sing-along/jam.
El Taller's vast diaspora of musical friends are all invited to bring their words, their instruments and their good feelings in these electric/acoustic Thursday nights.
Organic juice, coffee bar, great company - and it's a chance to sing!
|
 Born in Areia Branca (Natal), in the
Northeast of Brazil, Tico da Costa grew up listening to all the rhythms of the "nordeste" as well as those from Rio de Janeiro, eventually combining them all into his own inimitable
style. An extremely prolific singer/song writer (he writes two to three songs a day), he is also a guitar virtuoso, a composer of instrumental music and a born-showman that can magnetize any audience
whether as a solo performer - voice and guitar, or accompanied by his band.
Mr. da Costa is a knockabout folk troubadour and message-spreader... his light, easy tenor adorned polyrhythmic guitar lines that could always go fast enough to suit his needs, sometimes striking
the band into a precarious double time. He had the crowd chanting a percussive chorus... ...this was where Mr. Da Costa showed himself to be a superb artisan: skillfully recreating a few minutes of a
beatific locomotion that in its proper context could have stretched into hours. - Ben Ratliff, NEW YORK TIMES
|
 A casual evening of Salsa dancing with both live and recorded music.
Attend a free Rueda de Casino workshop, and spend the evening practicing your new steps with many new friends.
|
Friday October 25
THE SCHUMACHER SANFORD SOUND ASSEMBLY
 The Schumacher / Sanford Sound Assembly is a 17-piece
collective of New York's finest players featuring the original compositions of David Schumacher and JC Sanford. Disciples of Bob Brookmeyer, Schumacher and Sanford strive for organic structures/
extended forms, and motivic development through a colorful palette of orchestration. They intertwine improvised and composed elements into their work to create a natural/ seamless evolution of
material. It's a combination full of excitement and intrigue that will fulfill the most critical and demanding jazz audience.
Sound Assembly members bring a vast range of experience to the group. Its personnel has performed with such innovative artists as Gerry Mulligan, Horace Silver, Donald Byrd, George Garzone, Kenny
Werner, and Anthony Braxton in addition to the orchestras of Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mingus, and Ellington. The talents of these members showcase the
unmistakable sound, style, and nuance of co-leaders Schumacher and Sanford.
World renowned composer, pianist, and band leader Jim McNeely says, "This is some adventurous writing and strong playing. You guys are a force to be reckoned with. Let me hear more!" "It is very
gratifying for a teacher to see two of his star pupils enter the 'real world' with such a positive move. Their band and their writing combine to make a valuable contribution to our field. May they
continue and prosper!" wishes legendary composer, trombonist, and band leader Bob Brookmeyer.
 David Schumacher is a composer and saxophonist who began his schooling with Branford
Marsalis and Andrew Speight at Michigan State University. Following that he spent two years studying composition with Bob Brookmeyer at the New England Conservatory of Music earning a MM in Jazz
Studies-Composition. Along the way Schumacher has also studied with jazz greats George Russell, Jerry Bergonzi, Rodney Whitaker, Donald Walden, and Marcus Belgrave.
Currently David is teaching in the Boston area and has performed with artists including Bob Brookmeyer, Branford Marsalis, Frank Carlberg, and the Bob Brookmeyer Composer's Big Band. His
compositions have been commissioned by Joe Lulloff, Dead Cat Bounce, Triocracy, Andrew Speight, the New England Conservatory Little Big Band, Pentucket Regional High School, and the Michigan State
University Jazz Band.
 Composer and trombonist JC Sanford has recently completed his
D.MA. in Jazz Studies at New England Conservatory. At NEC, he studied with Bob Brookmeyer for three years and conducted the NEC Little Big Band for two. He is currently Visiting Artist-in-Residence
Director of Jazz Studies at Williams College. Sanford's current projects include his improvisational trio Triocracy, the jazz trio Triptych (co-led by bassist/composer Mark Urness), and the
Radley/Sanford/Urness trio. He has also performed around the Boston and New York areas with Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Ron McClure, Chico & Arturo O'Farrill, George Garzone, and the Mili
Bermejo/George Schuller Octet. His individual performance honors include a 1995 Outstanding Solo Performance award from Down Beat magazine and recognition at the 1994 Elmhurst Jazz Festival
for performance as an Outstanding Ensemble with the JC Sanford Sextet, and as an Outstanding Soloist. Sanford was also featured with Danilo Pérez Trio on the sound track to the movie
“Hugo Pool” directed by Robert Downey. In 1996, he won the International Association of Jazz Educators of Massachusetts Composition Contest in the Big Band category with his extended
work, ...In Marengo Suite.
Reeds: John O'Gallagher, Eric Rasmussen, Chris Bacas, Ben Kono, Tom Olin
Trumpets: Bud Burridge, John Hines, John Bailey, John McNeil
Trombones: Mark Patterson, Jeff Bush, Lolly Bienenfeld, Chris OIness
Rhythm: Andy Green, Deanna Witkowski, Dave Ambrosio, John Hollenbeck
|
 Given a chance, most sounds---from the
clatter of children playing in the streets of Indonesia to the rev of an old Chevy truck and the thunderous bellow of ice cracking below a frozen lake---are subject to sparking musical inspiration
for Enstéreo. New Mexican-born Jaime Holguin is part producer, composer and arranger, stirring up a mixture that meanders through pop, folk, Latin and electronic
distortion. His music is a venture into "found sound" technology--organic sound of cross-cultural origins gathered and electronically manipulated to create a juxtaposition of traditional
and cutting-edge.
Mochi Parra is a Chilean singer and multi-instrumentalist.  Currently, her work is
based in the folkloric music of the Peruvian and Chilean coast, and is composed of a collection of exquisite works that are representative of the voices and the struggles faced by indigenous and
native people throughout Central and South America. Instruments played by Parra include the cello, cajon, cuatro venezolano and charango. Directed by Master (Maestro) Carlos Hayre, her repertoire is
composed of rhythms such as: festejo, lando, marinera, limena, samacueca, tondero and valses and incorporate the guitar, cajon, quijada,
cajita, and voice.
|
|
 The marimba is a magical instrument that we associate with Mexico,
Honduras, or Guatemala.
In an effort to understand the American marimba's "other side",Valerie Naranjo has been chasing the Lobi and Dagara people in West Africa who play the gyil (pronounced JEE-lee), the
ancient West African marimba and healing medium. She has stood at interrogations from the elders, apprenticed with village gyil masters, and played in their funerals and festivals. In 1988 her
playing led to the declaration of a chiefly decree in the Dagara nation that women be allowed, for the first time, to play the instrument. After several CDs with gyil masters, Valerie has just
released her first marimba CD, "West African Music for the Marimba Soloist". Joining her for Friday night's CD release celebration will be multi-instrumentalist Barry Olsen, with whom
she recorded the gyil CDs, and with whom she won a "first place" in Ghana's Kobine festival competition, the only non-West Africans to date to do so.
The press has said: "...fling their entire bodies into executing their fantastically complicated lines. The prayerful, otherworldly quality of these patterns reveals that contemporary minimalism
owes as much to African as to Indian parentage. In every piece the ripe, refreshing clatter of MANDARA's instruments rapt concentration of its players " Valerie Naranjo is a dynamo of creative
energy. The experience of being taken back to African roots and then hearing its transformation into cutting edge art that retains its hold on tradition was a breathtaking one." Agency
"...splendid...a brilliant percussionist..." - William Raidy, The Star Ledger and "Valerie Naranjo will be .... jamming in the usual whirl of energy and passion that makes her one of
the most accomplished percussionists in New York."
|
Powerful, dynamic vocals and piano. Eclectic, harmonious and melodic. These are the themes that best describe the music of Jean
Feola. Jean's roots were in classical piano, but she is heavily influenced by her early career in an original rock band in the Jersey music scene in the eighty's, opening up for major acts
in clubs and concert venues, followed by several years of folk-style performance, 'unplugged', at café's and festivals in the NY Metro area. In between and throughout the years, Jean sang and
played with a number of gritty blues and R&B bands. The result is a convergence of these influences into a unique and versatile phenomenon. Borrowing from blues, folk, and rock, Jean and her
ensemble have continued to provide lively, energetic and enjoyable interpretations of blues and pop music with innovative, original arrangements.
Music and performance are an energy that this group of seasoned entertainers strives to transfer to the listener, whether playing an original, a ballad, or an old blues staple, while striving to
preserve the authenticity of that feeling. This group includes some of the Region's most unsung heroes and best-kept secrets. They're true performers blessed with interpretive powers, presenting a
stylistically wide-reaching program that will pay tribute to some of the best-loved popular music of western culture.
|
A smoke-free, alcohol-free evening of good music, good words and friends.
Hosted by Paula Larke, the evening will feature a performance of Paula with special guests, "a very special musical and spoken word jam fest funky latino open mic." (Paula's words)
and a sing-along/jam.
El Taller's vast diaspora of musical friends are all invited to bring their words, their instruments and their good feelings in these electric/acoustic Thursday nights.
Organic juice, coffee bar, great company - and it's a chance to sing!
|
Marta is a singer/composer who writes and arranges her own songs and repertoire. Her influences range from Cuba, Venezuela & Brazil as well as the folk music from her native
Czechoslovakia.
Come and share in this special evening. (Nov. 15th is Marta's birthday!)
|
 Everywhere that western popular music is played you can
hear the profound influence of blues. In The Alligator Club US and Minsk bred musicians discovered a common ground in their common love for that classic American musical tradition.
Anyone familiar with their hard driving, electrified performances at El Taller will be surprised to see that The Alligator Club has returned to their blues roots by packing up the amplifiers and
adopting a string band sensibility.
Just as raw and as rocking as before The Alligator Club opens its searing sound to welcome the voices of the past with songs from Howlin Wolf, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson and other blues
masters.
"Growlin" Greg Neu: guitar, vocals
Alex Koslovsky: bass/guitar, vocals
Jeff Glickman: vocals, banjo/harmonica
|
This evening highlights a new pairing of two Taller favorites Martin
Quaglia will play alongside Mochi Parra whose voice and musical talents and will leave the audience with a memory of beautiful music and a haunting voice singing
traditional favorites and new compositions, the fruit of a new collaboration.
Mochi is a Chilean singer and multi-instrumentalist.  Based in the folkloric music of the
Peruvian and Chilean coast, Mochi's music is a collection of exquisite works that are representative of the voices and the struggles faced by indigenous and native people throughout Central and South
America. Her repertoire is composed of rhythms such as: festejo, lando, marinera, limena, samacueca, tondero and valses and incorporates the guitar,
cajon, quijada, cajita, and voice.
Argentinean born Martin is a guitar virtuoso, arranger and composer. He has performed and recorded with many great musicians including Carlos Hayre, Victor Hernandez, Mario
Hernandez, Siraj Al Hassan and Taller founder, Bernardo Palombo.
|
 The Pablo Mayor Ensemble features the original
music and arrangements of composer/arranger/pianist Pablo Mayor. Mr. Mayor fuses the Afro-Colombian rhythms of his native country of Colombia with complex jazz harmonies and form. The result is both
groove-oriented and intellectually stimulating. The sound is fresh; The Pablo Mayor Ensemble features a stellar jazz horn section comprised of soprano saxophone/clarinet, euphonium, and baritone
saxophone, a jazz rhythm section (set, baby bass, and piano), and Colombian folkloric drums.
Mr. Mayor's original music is well crafted and his arrangements shed new light on old standards as well as forging new territory by presenting the intellectual elements of jazz while retaining the
groove and flavor of an Afro-Colombian tradition that is mostly unknown today.
Ensemble leader,Pablo Mayor, composer, arranger, pianist, was born in Palmira, Colombia, and holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in Jazz Arranging from the University of North Texas.
While Professor of Jazz at Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia, in 1998, Mr. Mayor began his personal investigation of the native music of Colombia. Although it will be a lifelong process of
discovery, Mr. Mayor has taken his current knowledge of Colombian folklore and combined it with an extensive knowledge of jazz harmonies. Since moving to NYC in 1999, in addition to his Colombian
project, Mr. Mayor has been working as both pianist and arranger for Orquesta Broadway and has been an active pianist in the Afro-Cuban scene. He is also an active arranger for Drop 6 Media. Inc., a
publishing company based in Denton, TX. Since 1999, he has been professor of Latin piano at the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and is also teaching jazz arranging and directing a jazz
ensemble at the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory in Flushing. Mr. Mayor has produced and arranged for musicians in Dallas, New York, Colombia, and Mexico, and his own CD Folklore Urbano
will be released in the fall of 2002.
In addition to Pablo Mayor, other members of the ensemble includes:
Christopher Karlic: baritone saxaphone -- Rafi Malkiel: euphonium -- Rob Wilkerson: soprano saxophone, clarinet
Chris Michael: drums -- Thomas Garcia: bass -- Ian Betancourt: alegre
Martin Vejarano Avila: tamboro -- Sebastian Cruz: maracas -- Sergio Borrero: llamador
|
|
Saturday, December 7:
TALLER HOLIDAY FIESTA AND FUND RAISER
Tickets: $20
Get into the holiday spirit and help Taller pay its rent! Many have already given generously to make this party the best possible time.
Becky Bliss of Wednesday night's popular salsa class will start off the evening with two hours of salsa classes starting at 7pm.
Then, Paula Larke, our host of First Thursdays will keep everyone hopping with her warm heart and big spirit. Paula Larke plays guitar, banjo, and bass in a style all her own. She's been called "a
cross between Nina Simone and James Brown" - a tribute to the wide range of musical emotions she shares so generously with her audiences. Paula's style is inviting, thoughtful and joyful.
During the breaks we'll have a selection of music with volunteer DJ Benji Rosen who is back with us for the evening, plus raffles, door prizes, refreshments, holiday gifts and more!
Tickets are on sale at the Taller office. Buy five and get a sixth one free. Or buy 10 and and get a baker's dozen! You can also buy raffle tickets. Or give the gift of language to yourself or a
loved one and buy a gift certificate for Spanish classes at a discount from the regular rate.
Read a special invitation from Bernardo, in Spanish or in English
|
Peruvian folklore is full of mystery and magic. Perunka Folk Dance Company uses dance and anthropological studies to rescue the
popular dances of Peru from oblivion. The Company was formed by a group of professional artists, graduates from the Escuela Nacional de Folklore del Peru and other universities. They are dedicated to
spread the dances of Peru throughout the country and around the world.
Carlos & Milagros have performed in various locations in the New York metropolitan area and in New Jersey. Carlos David has a master's degree in composition
from Queens College and has written music for television, radio and theater. He co-composed the music for the play La Gringa, which has been playing at Repertorio Espanol since 1995. He
also did the music for the Latin Heritage Awards in 1997 and 1998 on NBC.
Milagros Albrecht, performing with the Trujillo Symphony orchestra was a finalist in the Pavarotti singing competition and has performed in many Latino radio and television shows
in the United States.
Abya Yala is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to promote the arts and culture of the indigenous pueblos throughout the Americas.
|
 Zack Glass has been writing and arranging his own songs since his early teens when he took up playing the guitar. His music is a unique fusion of classic singer/songwriter pop using the rhythms of
Central America, Brazil, the Caribbean and West Africa. You might also hear influence of jazz, funk, rock, R&B, but the root of his music is in its simplicity.
Zack has toured in California and Hawaii and plays frequently in his home city, New York. He has played as a rhythm guitarist for reggae and West African bands and has accompanied a master steel pan
drummer on guitar and bass. Currently he plays with his trio or solo on acoustic guitar as well as writing new songs and working on new recording projects.
|
Celebrate the Holidays, the Winter Solstice, and the musical treasures from Cuba with a very special evening of both live Cuban Son, live Rumba, and
Rueda de Casino. The Winter Solstice, as a celebration of light, is the ideal opportunity to warm-up your bodies and lift your winter spirits to
vibrant, passionate Cuban beats.
Attend a Rueda de Casino workshop, and spend the evening practicing your new steps with many new friends.
|
|