Pablo Bencid Trío / Latin-Venezuelan Jazz. (4)

Pablo Bencid Trío / Latin-Venezuelan Jazz. 

Presented by Terraza 7. 

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at 8:00 pm.

$15: Cover charge for Mezzanine.

Featuring:

• Gabriel Chakarji-/ Piano.
• Alex Apolo / Bass.
• Pablo Bencid / Drums.

About Pablo Bencid:

Pablo is a Grammy-nominated Venezuelan-born and New York-based drummer, percussionist, engineer, and educator. His musical versatility knows no bounds, as he has mastered a wide spectrum of styles including Jazz, Latin Jazz, Brazilian, funk, and world music.

With an extensive list of credits and collaborations, Pablo has shared the stage and studio with luminaries from Jazz, Latin Jazz, Classical, and World Music. His musical journey has taken him alongside world-renowned harpist Edmar Castañeda, Grammy-nominated Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta, Grammy-nominated guitarist and producer Albare, Grammy-winning percussionist and composer Samuel Torres, and many more.

Pablo's rhythmic explorations have carried him on extensive tours across North, Central, and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. He is highly sought-after in the vibrant New York jazz, Latin jazz, and world music scene, recognized for his deep musical knowledge, impeccable groove, unique approach, and unwavering professionalism.

Pablo proudly endorses Zildjian cymbals and exclusively uses Vic Firth sticks in his performances and recordings.

About Alex "Apolo”:

Alex is not just a bassist; he's a musical linguist who fluently speaks the languages of Latin music and Jazz. Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Apolo is a rare breed in the music scene, being one of the few bilingual bassists who can navigate the intricate worlds of both Latin and Jazz with finesse.

His journey into music began at a young age, and over the course of two decades, he has become a force to be reckoned with. Apolo's extensive list of accomplishments includes Grammy Nominations and a Latin Grammy Award as a sideman. His basslines have graced stages alongside legends like Eddie Palmieri, Gilberto SantaRosa, Tito Nieves, and countless others.

In 2013, Apolo made New York City his home base, further enriching his musical tapestry. He leads "The Bámbula Project," an Afro-Puerto Rican Jazz Quartet that explores the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico through music. Additionally, he collaborates with the Antonio Hart Quartet, Mike Eckroth Latin Jazz trio, Trombeatz, Flavio Silva’s Break Free, and serves as the Musical Director of Los Pleneros de la 21.

Apolo's dedication to musical excellence is exemplified by his second album as a bandleader, titled "BÁMBULA," which was released in February 2022 under the Truth Revolution Recording Collective. His unique ability to bridge the gap between Latin and Jazz genres continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the music world.

About Gabriel Chakarji:

Gabriel is a young pianist and composer who is deeply passionate and committed to the power of music. Originally from Caracas Venezuela, he grew up in a multicultural environment full of music that expands from afro-Venezuelan Folk, Caribbean, Brazilian music to Jazz and Gospel. Gabriel began studying classical piano at the age of nine. After high school, he studied composition at Ars Nova School of music. In his teens, he took part of the Simon Bolívar Jazz Big Band touring with this orchestra to New York and Boston in 2011. His experience, versatility, and passion made him one of the most sought-after pianists in his country. His participation in the Album “Tiempo” of Linda Briceño earned him a nomination for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2013. At age 21 Gabriel moved to New York with a scholarship to study at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music under the guidance of great Master of Jazz and improvised music like Reggie Workman, George Cables, Billy Harper and Jane Ira Bloom. He quickly became active in the scene of the city performing in venues like Dizzy’s Club, Blue note, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Cornelia Street, BonaFide, Subrosa, etc. In 2016 he performed at the late-night set at the Blue Note duo with Gadi Lehavi after Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock’s duo set. That same year he toured to the Bern Jazz festival and Mexico City Jazz Festival. Appearances as a sideman with numerous artists such as Luisito Quintero, Linda Briceño, Jhon Benitez, Ali Bello and much more. Gabriel is also involved in the education program of JALC (Jazz at Lincoln center) giving concerts and workshops in public schools. The influences of cultures, rhythms and harmonies became Gabriel’s own personality. His compositions and playing are rooted in social justice and multiculturalism.