FAQ
What is Rio JAZZ?
- Rio JAZZ is the Hudson Valley's premier Brazilian/American concert jazz band.
What kind of music do you play?
- We play bossa novas, sambas, straight-ahead jazz and original compositions by the band members. Our music is cutting-edge Brazilian jazz that you are not likely to hear live anywhere else.
Where do you play?
- We normally get grant funding so that the admission is free where we play. We regularly perform at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and at Bolton Landing on Lake George, New York.
Do you have a CD?
- Each of the band members is a recording artist and leader, and all of us have recorded our own CDs. Matt's CD, "Brazilian Wish", is most like the music that is played at our concerts. Check the Band Bios page for more information about each musician.
What is special about Rio JAZZ?
- We don't rehearse. The concerts are spontaneous improvisation on the music. [This only works if you have some great musicians.]
Why does the band often have different performers?
- There is a core for our group that has remained pretty stable, but we like to feature guest artists in our concerts. This makes each event special and creates a different sound every time we play. There have been over 40 guest artists with Rio JAZZ, including some of the best jazz musicians in the world. Often, the guest artists have so much fun playing with Rio JAZZ that they become regulars in the band when there is an opening.
How can I find out more?
