Cumbia Y Mas

New York City is a major outpost for diverse Latin cultures. The vibrant interaction between these and North American traditions is creating a host of unique sounds. These sexy, intelligent songs with their irresistible rhythms and beautiful melodies embody this transformation. This band consists of top New York musicians in an intimate setting that allows each of them to shine. The rhythms include cumbia, rumba, afoxe, and more. There is great stylistic diversity combined with a consistency and depth that has developed over many years. Greg Ribot -Tenor Sax/Bari Sax/ Clarinet/Flute/Siku (Andean Panpipes) Composer & Arranger-Greg Ribot's distinctive musical vision transcends easy categorization. Following the critically acclaimed 'The International Conspiracy' and 'El Flete de Mi Canto', 'Cumbia y Mas' will be his third CD. Greg can also be heard on Sean Lennon's 'Into the Sun', 'Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Postizos' and 'Shoestring Symphonettes'. Greg has been a bandleader for all of his adult life. Francisco 'Pancho' Navarro -Guitar His masterful playing is illuminated by an encyclopedic knowledge of popular, folkloric, and classical music of Latin America. Francisco is from Mendoza Argentina, and lived in Chile and Mexico before coming to New York. In Mexico he worked with many major Mariachi groups, and won first guitarist at Mexico's Festival Ranchero de la Cancion for three consecutive years.

His playing can be heard on the soundtracks of 'Mambo Kings', 'Flawless', and 'Frida' as well as numerous recordings, including 'Bamboleo' with Celia Cruz, & Willie Colon, 'Guasasa' with Johnny Pacheco, and 'WEA Carobe Tito Nieves En Otra Onda'. Andy Eulau -Bass Andy contributed many useful suggestions regarding form and harmony. He has a great melodic sense, and when it comes to carrying the groove, more than pulls his weight. Andy has worked with, Ray Barretto, Gene Bertoncini, the BMI Jazz Orchestra, Kevin Norton, Bobby Sanabria, Syotos, the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and others. He can be heard on numerous recordings, including three by Anthony Braxton. Vince Cherico -Drums/Percussion With his deep knowledge of Afro Cuban as well as North and South American traditions, Vince is a master at delineating form, while using unique colors to individuate each composition. His ideas on all musical elements were essential. Some of the musicians that Vince has performed and recorded with include: Ray Barretto, Angela Bofill, Ray Bryant, Kenny Burrell, The Caribbean Jazz Project, Paquito D'Rivera, Brian Lynch, James Moody, Tito Puente, Hilton Ruiz, Dave Samuels, Don Sickler, Mongo Santamaria, Dave Valentin, and Ray Vega.