There are several important ingredients necessary to build a community around an emerging genre, but every musical movement needs an advocate. Musicians can gather together around an idea, and often times the strength of that idea combined with their musical knowledge pushes them into a serious artistic inertia. At that point, the music is and should be their focus; they need an outside advocate to help them move their concept forward. This individual should place an undying belief in their musical vision, and take the steps to support it. The extent of their support depends on their connection to the music industry, but at any level, it creates a necessary buzz around the musicians and their work. Newcomers to the music world often spread the word to all their peers, their fellow workers, and everyone that will take a moment to listen. Advocates that are firmly entrenched in the music world can offer a variety of services - they can arrange performances, perform management duties, serve as a promotional agent, and much more. Either way, the support that an advocate offers can be the difference that guarantees the success of a musical movement. The more advocates that get behind that musical movement, the more momentum it garners, and eventually it has enough strength to move into the larger world scene.

This week, one of the prime advocates of Afro-Peruvian Jazz, Pasache Music, will be producing an Afro-Peruvian Festival in New York, bringing some of the city’s best Afro-Peruvian Jazz into the forefront. This three-day festival features many of the Pasache Music artists and offers and opportunity to hear the young musicians driving the scene. The festival kicks off on Thursday evening with a performance from Alcatraz at DROM. This group features vocalist Sofia Rei Koutsovitis, guitarist Eric Kurimski, and bassist Edward Perez, as well as percussionist Marcos Napa and Hector Morales. Their self-released debut on Pasache Music was one of my first introductions to the world of Afro-Peruvian Jazz; the inspiration that I gained from that CD built an unstoppable love for this music. On Friday night, Perez will be bringing his own group to Pasache Music headquarters for a special concert with his Quintet. Perez brings an intimate understanding of Peruvian rhythms into his bass playing, driving his groups with forceful bass lines and inventive solos. His compositions also bring the music into a new level of jazz awareness, as heard on his recent album The Year Of Two Summers. On Sunday, Pasache Music will be making a very special presentation of Eric Kurimki’s Réplica at The Blue Note during their brunch hour. Kurimski’s Réplica made a splash here at LJC in 2008, earning the illustrious honor of Latin Jazz Album of the Year. It’s really a fantastic recording that authentically brings together the best of New York jazz and Afro-Peruvian rhythms, so the group’s Blue Note debut should make everyone’s calendar! The festival brings three strong events that showcase some of the musicians at the forefront of the Afro-Peruvian Jazz scene; whether you’re already in love with the style or ready to jump in for the first time, any of these concerts should be a wonderful experience.

In an attempt to get everyone excited about the Afro-Peruvian Festival in New York this week, our Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix will feature one of the artists performing, vocalist Sofia Rei Koutsovitis. Originally from Argentina, Koutsovitis has spent several years in New York developing a unique sound that organically blends a modern jazz sensibility with authentic folk musics of South America. This video finds her collaborating with bassist Jorge Roeder & percussionist Jorge Perez Albela, digging into an informal session on the street. It’s a lively performance that you can’t miss . . . and if you want more, head out to the festival. Enjoy!

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Sofia Rei Koutsovitis with Avantrio

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Make sure that you check out the Afro-Peruvian Festival - there’s some fantastic music coming out of New York’s current scene, your support helps it grow. Check out the three festival dates below:

ALCATRAZ
WHEN: Friday 7/24/09
WHERE: DROM
85 Avenue A
New York, NY
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $5

EDWARD PEREZ
WHEN: Sunday 7/19/09
WHERE: Pasache Music HQ
2665 Gregory Street
Yorktown Heights, NY
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
TICKETS: SOLD OUT

ERIC KURIMSKI
WHEN: Sunday 7/26/09
WHERE: Blue Note
131 W. 3rd St
New York NY
TIME: 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $24.50

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For more from New York’s Afro-Peruvian Jazz scene, you can check out recordings from all of the festival’s artists:

Alcatraz

Ojalá

The Year Of Two Summers

Réplica

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Do you have a video to contribute to satisfy our weekly Latin Jazz video fix? If so, send it in - it’s time to feed our addiction. I’m looking for live performances, from any context. I’ll most likely be posting one video per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz videographers, musicians, and fans - let’s share some of our memorable videos! Get my contact info HERE

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: “Yo No Como Camote” by Edward Perez
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: The Making Of Off & On, The Music Of Moacir Santos, Mark Levine & The Latin Tinge
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble/a>
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Chase Morrin & The Latin Connection Quintet

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