ANDREA MOTIS
Andrea Motis, a Spanish jazz prodigy, began playing the trumpet at just 7 and made her public debut at 12. She is a multi-instrumentalist, excelling in trumpet, saxophone, and vocals, delivering a classic jazz sound. She performed with Joan Chamorro’s Sant Andreu Jazz Band, one of Europe’s youngest jazz ensembles. Motis has collaborated with jazz legends like Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis, blending traditional jazz with bossa nova and Catalonian folk. She is one of the few European artists to sign with the prestigious Impulse! Records, home to jazz icons such as John Coltrane and Charles Mingus.
MOHINI DEY & MAMOGI
Mohini Dey, often called the “bass goddess,” started her professional career at the age of 10 and has since collaborated with musical giants like Steve Vai and AR Rahman. Her signature style fuses jazz, funk, and Indian classical music, characterized by virtuosic bass techniques. Her project, Mamogi, is an all-star jazz-rock band featuring saxophonist Mark Hartsuch and drummer Gino Banks. Mohini is widely regarded as one of the world’s top bass players, known for her speed and technique, seamlessly blending cultures and styles. She has broken barriers for women in jazz and is considered a true “game-changer” in the jazz fusion world.
LAURENT COULONDRE
Laurent Coulondre is a French pianist renowned for his high-energy performances and innovative compositions, supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation. He won the prestigious Victoires du Jazz award for “Artist of the Year” in 2019. His music fuses traditional jazz with modern influences, such as funk, rock, and electronic music. Coulondre is known for his unique ability to simultaneously play both bass and melody on the keyboard. His project, “Gravity Zero,” pushes the boundaries of jazz performance and has earned him recognition across Europe, where he’s shared the stage with greats like Ibrahim Maalouf.
CABO CUBA JAZZ
Cabo Cuba Jazz is an international band recognized for its fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditional jazz. The group’s members hail from Cape Verde and Cuba, creating a rich blend of African, Caribbean, and Latin sounds. Their live performances are energetic, dance-inducing events known for infectious grooves. Their music explores themes of heritage and identity, while also pushing the boundaries of jazz. The band’s debut album, “Rikeza y Valor,” is praised for its vibrant soundscapes and its balance between improvisation and structure, positioning Cabo Cuba Jazz as a leading act in the world music and jazz fusion scenes.
THE NEW YORK COLLECTIVE FT. AQ
The New York Collective ft. AQ brings together an eclectic mix of elite global jazz talents, blending vintage swing with modern improvisations. Fronted by Svetlana, a charismatic jazz vocalist known for her energetic performances, the band adds a fresh twist to classic American jazz. Ahmed AQ AlQasim, a Bahraini bassist and composer, enriches the band with his fusion of jazz, blues, and swing, drawing from his extensive experience in Bahrain’s jazz scene. Completing the group, Arcoiris Sandoval, a virtuoso pianist, adds layers of classical and Latin influences, infusing her compositions with a socially conscious edge. Together, The New York Collective ft. AQ offers a truly global and innovative jazz experience.
HOTBOXGROOVE
Hotboxgroove is a Bahrain-based funk-jazz band that delivers high-energy performances characterized by groove-laden tracks. Their sound blends jazz, funk, blues, and soul, creating infectious rhythms that always get the crowd moving. Known for their improvisational skills, the band often extends songs with intricate solos. They were awarded Best Jazz/Funk Band at the Musivv Awards and have performed twice at the BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest. Hotboxgroove is a leading force in Bahrain’s jazz and funk scene, known for infusing their music with a unique island-inspired flavor.
THE RELOCATORS BAHRAIN
The Relocators are Bahrain’s premier blues rock band, bringing together members from diverse musical backgrounds to blend a range of styles and influences. Their performances feature a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, presented with a fresh twist. They have been instrumental in shaping Bahrain’s local music scene, regularly performing at major festivals and events, including two performances at the BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest. Known for their innovative soundscapes, The Relocators are considered one of the most forward-thinking acts in Bahrain’s music community.