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This configuration is being met with great enthusiasm. The infectious rhythms of Latin-jazz and traditional South American melodies are presented in a laid back but entertaining format. This is not Salsa, but more the swinging subtleties of Brazilian Samba. It features Marcus Chonsky on congas, bongoes and other assorted drums and hand percusssion. Marcus sturied in Havana, leads his own ensemble 'Ballet Creole', and was for several years a member of Memo Acevedo's band.
The cd 'Blue & Green' is the band's latest recording of this sound.
While Peter spends most of his time on flutes in this combo; Kevin
Laliberte moves entirely over to acoustic guitar. Kevin aquired
his jazz education through private study with teachers including Lorne
Lofsky and Barry Harris. He cites influences ranging from Joe
Pass to Mike Stern, with a hefty dose of Ed Bickert in between. The beautiful sounds of his classical guitar can be heard
on Jesse Cook's recent Flamenco release 'Freefall',
as well as his own 'Elation'.
Drew Birston rounds out the band on upright bass. A graduate of McGill
in Montreal, Drew studied with Michel Donato before settling in Toronto
from his native Winnipeg.
The blending of acoustic instruments make this group especially pleasing to the ear. A surprising amount of energy can be created with the versatile sounds available to guitar, bass, congas, flute, and saxophone. Music from two cultures combine to reach a larger audience.
For a fuller more agressive sound drummer Jesse Baird is added to the mix. His taste and creativity are the perfect compliment to the line up. A favourite of many of the artists in the GTA, he is featured prominently on the band's previous recording 'Yule Like This'.
