A unique angle to jazz, combining Latin, Caribbean and African rhythms with funky bass lines and long flowing melodies -- the ultimate urban pulse.

8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Latin Jazz, WORLD: Samba



Details:
MetroTang, led by composer/percussionist Chacho Ramirez, brings a unique angle to jazz. Combining African drumming rhythms with funky bass lines and long flowing melodies, the music has something for everybody. These outstanding musicians have recorded and toured throughout the world. They are:

Eldad Zvulun â piano
Gary Damanti â guitar
Phil Palombi â bass
Jorge Jimenez â congas
Chacho Ramirez â drums

Using standard jazz forms, some tunes sound more Latin than African, others keep the blues in mind. If youâre steeped in jazz, youâll hear new twists to familiar tunes, and if youâre not, youâll have a fun time listening to some lively songs. Clips can be heard on Chachoâs website www.chachoramirez.com or www.myspace.com/metrotang.

Chacho Ramirez (drummer, bandleader) is a composer and percussionist specializing in Afro-Caribbean, Latin music and jazz. He is the percussionist in Hal Galperâs group Thrio, is a member of Jorge Jimenezâs Sabor a Conga, and plays in Richie Vitaleâs Orquesta Universal, which has just released its CD, âNew York Salsa,â available on CDBaby.com. Chacho has worked with such artists as Ahmad Jamal, Olatunji (Drums of Passion), Bo Diddley, and many other fine artists.

Eldad Zvulun (piano) came to New York City from Israel in 2001 under an International Association of Jazz Educators, led by Arnie Laurence. He currently works in New York City, playing jazz and salsa in venues such as Smalls, Fat Cat, and Gonzalez y Gonzalez. He also orchestrates and arranges music for Paquito dâRivera.

Gary Damanti (guitar) has worked with some of doo-wops bigger acts, such as Lenny Welch at the Meadowlands, Lou Christie, the Duprees, the Tokens, the Classics 4, and numerous others. Gary has also been active with local theatre groups in his native New Jersey, playing in pit orchestras and working with local theatre groups.

Phil Palombi (bass) came from Ohio and is known for his upright bass work with Curtis Steigers, with whom he tours extensively. Phil is also a regular with the Vanguard Orchestra, and has a trio, TriFi. In MetroTang, Phil reveals his fine and funky electric bass style.

Jorge Jimenez (congas), originally from Ecuador, came to New York in 1975 and began playing professionally in 1982, working with great musicians such as Charlie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco, Pete âEl Condeâ Rodriguez, Orquesta Broadway, Junior Vegaâs Latin-Jazz Band, and many others. Jorgeâs own salsa band, Sabor a Conga, performs frequently at Gonzalez y Gonzalez in Manhattan.