Singer/producer Jessie Marquez recently returned from a year-long stay in Havana, Cuba where she performed in the country's premier theaters and clubs, appeared on national television and radio programs and produced works by emerging Cuban artists.
Jessie has appeared for two consecutive years in Cuba's International Boleros de Oro Festival (2005/06) alongside some of Cuba's most celebrated artists such as Omara Portuondo, Ela Calvo and Beatriz Marquez.
She has performed with Cuba's leading national orchestras under the direction of Rey Montesinos and recorded with rising musical stars such as Julito Padron and David Alfaro.
Jess'es highly praised debut album Sana Locura, recorded in Havana in 2003, delves into the wealth of Cuban traditional styles, from guajira to guaguanco.
Her latest musical projects explore the relationship between Cuban and American music in what as known as "feeling" music; Cuba's answer to American blues and jazz. Jessie's collaborator, Mike Denny, is one of the Northwest's best jazz guitarists. In performance as a duo or with The Mike Denny Group, they deliver a fresh sense of where Cuban and American music meet.
You are definitely getting the hang of the myspace experience. I can't wait to be able to play with you again. "you're too far away..." Maybe next summer?
Branford Marsalis will be in eugene thurs oct 2 at 8 pm at the Hult Center with the Philarmonia Brasileira. Thought you might be into it. See you at the Celebration!
