BOBBY CARCASSES
“He's been described as Cuba's best kept secret and overwhelming on stage to the extent that it's been said that he has left Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente along with the New York jazz fraternity speechless after his performances. Influenced by jazz luminaries such as Stan Getz, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin and Sarah Vaughan as well as Beny More´ and Enrico Carusso, Cuban jazz guru, multi-instrumentalist and scat master Bobby Carcasses´ takes you on an eclectic musical journey passing through India, Havana, New York and the mother of all...Africa.”
(Notes from his 1998 recording Jazz Timbero)
As a performer, recording artist, and entertainer, Bobby is extremely versatile: vocalist extraordinaire, percussionist (conguero), flugelhorn player, pianist, visual artist, actor, and dancer. In addition to performing, Bobby makes it his mandate to mentor young musicians and is a cultural leader and icon in Havana. He is the founder and past president of the Havana Jazz Festival. He has recorded and performed with Cuban jazz masters Chucho Valdes, Changuito, Cesar Lopez, and many more.
Workshops with Bobby Carcasses´
Session 1 -- Three "Rs" of Cuban jazz - Roots, Religion, and Rhythm
Learn the basics of Afro-Cuban and Cuban jazz through a highly engaging and interactive encounter with the cultural heritage of Cuban music. Along with traditional Cuban and Afro-Cuban genres such as son and guaguanco, the importance of the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz and blues are also addressed. With an emphasis on the percussive and rhythmic roots of Cuban music and an understanding of how it permeates every aspect of Cuban life, your approach to Latin jazz in classes, rehearsals, and performances will take on new life.
Session II -- Don't Just Sit There
In Cuba, musical performance involves the whole body. Cuban music is best enjoyed with a generous amount of movement. In a participatory and interactive workshop, Bobby demonstrates the Cuban approach to developing the unique interpretations of phrasing, accents, articulation and dynamics that define Afro-Cuban jazz. Dance, sing, and clap your way back into the classroom with a new component to add to your music classes.
Session III -- Unlocking Your Inner (Performing) Artist
Unlike musicians in some other genres, classical and jazz musicians usually focus primarily on the performance of the music, but frankly, “the floor show sucks!” In his performances the multi-talented Bobby Carcasses´, endeavors to be a creative artist and express himself to the fullest extent possible. Bobby says, “First and foremost, I am a performing artist, an entertainer, a showman.” Bobby uses his formidable talents and skills as a jazz vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, actor, and visual artist in his performances. He also practices meditation and yoga in his search for personal and artistic expression. In this session, you will explore your own inner artist and find new ways to express yourself artistically.
Bobby Carcasses – Performer
Bobby is available for a limited number of performances with professional, university/college, and high school instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles. School ensemble directors will find Bobby an inspirational and dynamic guest artist and thoughtful, beautiful human being. He is also available to perform with professional big bands, jazz combos, salsa and Afro-Cuban bands.
