In Memory of Jason Gaines
A highly respected musician, Jason was a brilliant drummer, percussionist and conguero who passed suddenly and unexpectedly on 25th June and who would have been part of this very performance.
Now with an expanded lineup, the show will feature a Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban and Salsa repertoire from a variety of ensembles that 'Jase' was involved with - music that he always threw himself into with an infectious wholehearted energy and enthusiasm.

The music will pay homage to the spirit of this remarkable and dearly loved friend who will be hugely missed by all who knew him.
A percentage of ticket sales will go to support the continuation of workshops, rehearsals and performances by the 'Bristol Afro-Cuban Collective', a Bristol based drumming and singing group that was founded by Jason to teach others the dynamic and spiritual music from Cuban folkloric traditions that he had immersed himself in for over 30 years and during many trips to Cuba.

Jazz pianist Jim Blomfield is recognised as leading Latin player, his recent performance with Kevin Figes new sextet 'You Are Here' was nothing short of superlative. Jim's work in Latin outfits has allowed him to develop a distinctive Afro-Cuban style; and he's now formed this newly evolved sextet, emerging from those larger bands.

Since moving to Bristol in 1991 to establish a career as a performer and composer, Jim has become recognised as an exciting, versatile and engaging piano player. He has often been the pianist of choice to accompany some of the UK's biggest jazz names at numerous venues and festivals up and down the country as well as long standing engagements in the bands of two stalwarts of the Bristol scene, Andy Hague and Kevin Figes.

The Collective has an impressive brass frontline for this gig, with powerhouse trumpeters Jonny Bruce & Michel Padron and saxophonist Martin Kern.

Michel is now resident in Spain but is making the effort to come back to Bristol to honour his friends memory. Michel a Cuban/British musician, is a multi-talented individual active in the UK jazz scene as a trumpeter, trombonist, composer, arranger, and music producer.
He has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in Latin Jazz within the nation, while also showcasing his versatility by performing with bands across various music genres throughout the UK.

Having spent many years as the band leader and music director of the Latin band Asere, Padrón has embarked on two tours of the United States with a larger project, Asere & the Havana Cuba All-Stars (in 2016 and 2019). Asere has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over 22 years in the world music scene, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Billy Cobham, Cesaria Evora, and Toto la Momposina, among others.

Bristol based Jonny Bruce is one of the most in demand trumpet players on the scene today. Working as both a soloist and a lead player in a variety of musical contexts

Jonny has received much critical acclaim for his fiery trumpet work. From Bobby Shew, Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis to Kelis and Illa J, his trumpet has seen him perform at venues and festivals across the world with many greats from a variety of genres.

Many will have seen him as a featured soloist with gypsy outfit Moscow Drug Club. He is also the co-bandleader, along with Denny Ilett, of the Bruce/Ilett Big Band, and the Musical Director of the Bristol Community Big Band.

Martin Kern is a bit of a globetrotter! He spent his childhood in Switzerland, learning cello as his first instrument before turning to saxophone at 17.

He studied in Paris and Bern before moving to New York for a while; then on to Berlin, joining the vibrant jazz scene there and recording his first album.

Next onto Vienna, recording album No2, then in 2018 he moved to Bristol? He must have heard about the great musicians we have in the city and quickly immersed himself in the activities in our city. Martin's sound is a blend of Be Bop, Hard Bop and Contemporary Jazz, with a sound reminiscent of Rollins & Dexter Gordon.

Roshan 'Tosh' Wijetunge is a long time associate of Jim's having been a stalwart of Jim's trio as the double bass player. He studied in barcelona before settling in Bristol.

As well as a life as a musician, Tosh is an accomplished composer, but his passion is sound designing as a producer & recording engineer. The Collective have already laid down some tracks at his studio Wij productions.

Tonights percussion section work is shared by Jon Clark on drums and the wonderful Tammy Payne as Conguero; but they will be augmented by a few others during the evening.

This will be a bit special and a fitting tribute to Jason Gaines.