Ashanti plays smooth Latin jazz with liberal Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences and a healthy dose of crisp vocal work.

11 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Latin Jazz, LATIN: Latin Jazz



Details:
"Sin Fronteras" or "Without Borders" is Iowa-based Ashanti's second commercial release, featuring nine original tunes plus two killer covers. The group's sound is best described as smooth Latin jazz. In this multi-faceted performance you will hear liberal Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences and a healthy dose of crisp vocal work. The tight solo features of the group's horn section is punctuated by Ashanti's amazing percussion section.

Ashanti's beginnings date back to 1983 when Berklee College of Music students from Mexico, Switzerland, Chile, Japan, and Connecticut launched a new musical project. Their Latin jazz combo, dubbed Ashanti to recognize the African roots of the music they loved to play, performed regularly at a variety of Boston-area venues. Following stints in Dallas, Mexico City, and Cancun, leader Gabriel Espinosa brought Ashanti to the America's heartland where directs the Jazz Studies Program at Central College.

Performing on "Sin Fronteras" are Gabriel Espinosa A. on bass and vocals; Tim Crumley on drums and percussion; David Kobberdahl on trumpet, flugelhorn, and EVI; Bob Long on saxophones; Ryan Rumery on percussion; Eric Sickler on keyboard and vocals; Bryan Schumacker on saxophone; and Patricio Espinosa A. on guitar