Sebastian Chames is a pianist who belongs to the new generation of jazz musicians in Spain. He has completed his musical training in New York with Rodney Kendrick, Bruce Barth, Barry Harris and Fred Hersch, among others. In 2008 he released his first album “Primera Toma” as a band leader. In 2013, Chames released his second album “Reconstrucción” featuring an outstanding line up: Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Justin Robinson - alto saxophone, Dwayne Burno - bass and Willie Jones III- drums; in 2015 he recorded his third album “Pick Up the Phone” with Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Greg Tardy - tenor sax; Gerald Cannon- bass, and Willie Jones III- drums. In, 2019, “Reminiscing the Unknown Masters”, featuring Steve Nelson, vibraphone, Curtis Lundy Bass, and in addition Tardy and Jones. Chames albums were all recorded in New York and received rave reviews by the specialized Spanish press (Diario Abc: “…Chames is confirmed as one of the pillars of "New Jazz" made in Spain” Diario el Mundo: “Tradition and innovation are united in the music of Sebastián Chames”). He currently leads his quintet which regularly plays in clubs and festivals throughout Europe featuring an extraordinary line up of musicians such as Jeremy Pelt, Steve Nelson, Willie Jones IIII, Greg Tardy, Perico Sambeat, Victor Jones, Curtis Lundy, Bobby Watson among others. His last record “Uno” featuring Curtis Lundy and Victor Jones will be released this summer.
Hailed by the New York Times as "a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and hard-driving style," J.D. Allen is one of the most thoughtful jazz saxophonists on the scene today. The Detroit natives apprenticeship has largely been in New York, where he has performed, recorded, and toured with legends Lester Bowie, George Cables, Betty Carter,Louis Hayes , Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Frank Foster Big Band, Winard Harper, Butch Morris, David Murray, Wallace Roney, and contemporaries Cindy Blackman, Orrin Evans, Marcus Gilmore, Russell Gunn, and Me'shell N'degeocello, Dave Douglas among others. J.D.'s debut album, In Search Of... (red records), won him the Best New Artist award in Italy in 1999, and had reviewers praising him for his original compositions and bold playing. That same year J.D. began touring and recording with drummer Cindy Blackman's Quartet, where he remains a member. His second release, Pharoah's Children (Criss Cross), won him accolades for its thoughtfulness, maturity, and adventurousness. One of Jazziz Magazine's Critics Pics Top 10 Albums of the Year, the album was praised in the U.S. and Europe, along with leading musicians, such as Michael Brecker and Jeff "Tain" Watts. Since making a strong impression in his early years in New York at venues like Smalls, Village Gate, and Visiones, and serving an invaluable tenure with Betty Carter, J.D. has come a long way, now fully possessed of his own sound. J.D. has appeared on NPR's Jazz Perspectives, WNYC's Soundcheck, WKCR's Musician's Show and is a member of the Romare Bearden Homecoming Jazz All-Star Band.
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