Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion Play The Iridium 10/17

Fresh off his September 10th appearance at the Beacon Theatre with Sonny Rollins, master percussionist Sammy Figueroa will be returning to New York City, making a rare appearance at the Iridium Jazz Club on Sunday October 17th, with his double-Grammy nominated band, The Latin Jazz Explosion.

Sammy Figueroa and his Latin Jazz Explosion are an astonishing group of musicians. Based in South Florida, they sound a little bit different than the bands coming out of New York due to a strong Venezuelan and Puerto Rican influence, along with Sammy's show biz flair. A true ensemble, this band brings the joy back into jazz, with high energy arrangements, breathtaking solos and moments of dizzying virtuosity. It's a rare show that doesn't provoke standing ovations and encores. Musical directors Silvano Monasterios and Gabriel Vivas have created some spectacular tunes with arrangements inspired by and written just for Sammy. Sammy himself is an unusual combination of master jazz player and dedicated entertainer. Their first two albums on Savant Records were both honored with Grammy Nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album. With the release of third album coming up in early 2011, this group is about to lose its reputation as one of the best-kept secrets in Latin jazz today. As the New York Times has said, "Sammy Figueroa sets a new bright ideal for Latin jazz." The Palm Beach Post put it simply: "Awesome!"

Sammy Figueroa himself has long been known as one of the great musicians of the world. A MiLes Davis alumni, Sammy is currently touring the world with Sonny Rollins as part of Sonny's 80th birthday tour. Sammy has played on countless hit records with artists such as Mariah Carey, David Bowie, Natalie Merchant, Chaka Khan, Ashford and Simpson, Luther Vandross, Average White Band, Blues Traveller, David Lee Roth and all of Nile Rogers' hits such as Chic and Sister Sledge. He's also played with John McLaughlin, the Brecker Brothers (for 12 years!), Paquito D'Rivera, Dave Valentin, Tania Maria, Arturo Sandoval, Claudio Roditi, Brazilian superstars Daniela Mercury and Jorge Ben Jor and countless other important artists. But it's as a leader and artist that Sammy Figueroa has now really hit his stride.

Don't miss this very special appearance by one of the most fantastic bands in Latin jazz today. Please join Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion at the Iridium Night Club on Sunday October 17th. One show only at 8:30 PM. $25. http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/

 

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