Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts' Afro World Jazz Ensemble, coached by drummer/composer/educator Robby Ameen, a long time Percussion and Jazz Studies educator and jazz ensemble director at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts Music Dept.
Ameen is best known for the Afro-Cuban jazz style that he has developed. He's recorded with flutist Dave Valentin and jazz musician Rubén Blades, and has toured and recorded extensively with Jack Bruce’s Cuicoland Express band, and is also a longtime member of Conrad Herwig’s Grammy®-nominated Latin Side of… band. Ameen brought his Afro World Jazz ensemble to Yamaha Artist Services as part of WBGO's Jazz Appreciation Month collaboration with Yamaha.
The ensemble recorded a medley of compositions. Linked below is the full medley as performed straight through during the session at Yamaha. Hear the individual songs Thursday-Saturday this week (4/17 - 4/19) on WBGO:
Professor Robby Ameen, Drums/Director
Ariana Hartunian-Sowa, Sax-Alto
Aidan Vera, Trombone
Carlos Hernandez, Trumpet
Jacob Hurlock, piano
Apolo Ayala, bass
The ensemble performed the following music:
Cremant – written by Robby Ameen
Actual Proof – Herbie Hancock
So What - Miles Davis