While remaining true to Latin American traditions, CALJE brings together Chicago musicians in a powerhouse group that offers the musical treasures of both Afro-Latin music and jazz. It produces an eclectic fusion that includes a range of genres, from Flamenco to Peruvian. Formed in 2006 by Mexican trumpeter/composer, Victor Garcia, and Nicaraguan pianist/composer, Darwin Noguera, CALJE has developed a cohesive unit that strives to continue the legacy of Latin Jazz big band while creating original and genre-bending works. Blueprints, their debut album released in August 2010, was called “a Latin jazz masterpiece” by jazz critic, Neil Tesser. Performing with the group is Ricky Luis,singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, who has been influenced by a wide variety of genres from salsa, R&B, and hip-hop to jazz and opera. Ricky spent five years as lead singer of the Latin GRAMMY nominated group N’Klabe. Completing the group are Juan Pastor, drums; Josh Ramos,bass; Juan Picorelli, timbales; John Mose, trombone; Carlos Vega, tenor sax; and Victor Gonzalez, congas.
Website: http://www.calje.org
