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Paoli Mejias transcends the conventions of mainstream jazz, creating a rich tapestry of original, Latin-flavored, improvisational music
Jazz Improv
In the News
Paoli Mejías Latin Percussion Ensemble
Friday, October 5, 2012 at 8:00 pm
PONCHO Hall, 710 East Roy Street, Seattle, WA
Latin Grammy-nominee Paoli Mejías is a distinguished master percussionist from Puerto Rico, ranked among the best in both Latin jazz and salsa. As a bandleader Paoli fuses straight-ahead jazz with African, Mediterranean and Caribbean folkloric rhythms to create a new dimension of Latin jazz that is global, energetic, and modern. Performing for more than 25 years, Grammy nominee Paoli Mejías has already distinguished himself as a young master percussionist, ranked among the best in both salsa and Latin jazz. He is now at the vanguard of Latin jazz as leader of his own Quintet, having produced and released the live performance Blu-ray “DE JAZZAMBIA A MI TAMBOR EL CONCIERTO” (2011) and three successful CDs as band leader: “JAZZAMBIA” (2008), “Transcend” (2006) and “Mi Tambor” (2004), the latter nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album.
Performing for more than 20 years along side Latin jazz legends like Tito Puente, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentin, Paquito d'Rivera, Chick Corea, David Sanchez and Danilo Perez, who all have called on Paoli for his unique blend of melodic sensitivity and blinding technique. Paoli also gained international recognition while touring the largest jazz festivals as Eddie Palmieri's side-man for more than a decade.
Now Paoli is at the vanguard of Latin jazz as leader of his own Quintet; his debut as bandleader on his first self-produced CD “Mi Tambor” was so successful he received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album. Showered with positive press and accolades from the worldwide jazz community, Paoli’s transition from sideman to focal point was explosive. His 2006 follow-up release “Transcend” features some of the New York Latin jazz scene's finest: Miguel Zenón, Antonio Sánchez, Luis Perdomo, Jaleel Shaw, & Hans Glawischnig, all of whom also recorded on his 3rd CD "JAZZAMBIA" released November of 2008.
Born March 7, 1970 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, percussionist Mejías’ rise to Latin jazz fame is a story of sweat and dedication. Completely self taught, Paoli purchased his first set of congas at age twelve, inspired by records of conga great Carlos “Patato” Valdes and Latin jazz innovators Batacumbele and Irakere. Learning by imitating the sounds he heard on the records, Paoli taught himself the language of the congas without the benefit of an instructor. By his mid-to-late teens, he could be found at jam sessions in the streets and on the beaches of San Juan. He earned invitations from bandleaders like Rafú Warner, José Nogueras, Glen Monroig and Charlie Sepúlveda. As he worked his way up the live music food chain in Puerto Rico, Paoli found himself performing alongside the Latin jazz legends who had inspired him in his early years. Mejías’ résumé includes top jazz and salsa artists like Tito Puente, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentín, Paquito d’Rivera, Chick Corea, David Sánchez and Danilo Pérez, who all have called on Paoli for his unique blend of melodic sensitivity and blinding technique. As Puerto Rico’s first-call conguero, Paoli has performed and recorded with artists like Luis Enrique, Marc Anthony, La India, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, & Eddie Palmieri with whom he toured the largest jazz festivals for more than a decade. Paoli’s discography as side-man includes more than 20 commercial recordings, among them Grammy nominated “Acuarela de Tambores” by Alex Acuña, and Grammy Award winner “Masterpiece” by Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente. Mejías endorses Latin Percussion (congas & percussion), Sabian (cymbals), Remo (drum heads), Vater (drum sticks), and Hansenfutz (practice pedal).
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Ticket prices for this event were $20 general, $15 seniors, $10 students and alumni (with ID)
This event took take place
Friday, October 5, 2012 at 8:00 pm
PONCHO Hall, 710 East Roy Street, Seattle, WA
