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Howard University played a pivotal role in the musical
development of guitarist Andre Avelino. Howard Univ. was populated by a
sizeable community of diverse global origins; Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia,
Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Costa Rica,
California, Mississippi, Alabama, New York etc. etc., all of which
helped to nurture ones artistic sensibilities.
Upon graduation, Andre joined the band of the late and dearly beloved
Maria Rodriguez where he performed as guitarist and tres player. She
served as a mentor and constantly encouraged the guitarist to compose
and arrange while fostering the confidence that eventually led him to
compose for various bands in Puerto Rico. He was particularly honored
when the great percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo and Angel "Cachete"
Maldonado were included in one of his Latin jazz arrangements for former
Fania recording artist Orlando Pabellon.
Andre eventually began to focus primarily on his guitar development. He
also taught briefly at the "Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico"
extension program while going on to perform or record with various
internationally acclaimed musicians of the islands jazz community i.e.
Freddy Gumbs, Jimmy Rivera, Ramon Vasquez, Hector Matos, Paoli Mejias,
Eric Figueroa, Jose "Furito" Rios, Mark Montes de Oca, Jose "Cheguito"
Encarnacion, Hector "Coco" Barez, Alejandro Aviles, Freddie Camacho
amongst others.
In hopes of extending his musical vistas, the guitarist joined the navy
music program and relocated to Chicago where he performed or recorded in
gospel and jazz genres with such musical luminaries as producer and
composer Tony Smalls, Larry Gray, George Fludas, DeJuana Smalls, Malcolm
Banks, and Tony Carpenter. He later moved to New Orleans where as
a member of arranging great Wardell Quezergue's band, enjoyed the
privilege of performing with several R&B legends such as Jean Knight,
Aaron Neville, King Floyd, Gatemouth Brown, Juanita Brooks, Nick
Daniels, Theryl DeClouet, and Luther Kent. He also did side man gigs
with George Finch and saxophone great, Clarence Johnson while performing
in several jazz festivals and internationally celebrated jazz venues.
Andre has recently completed his tenure as the guitar, improvisation,
and combo instructor at the Navy School of Music. While maintaining an
active schedule, he has been published several times in Downbeat
magazine and has conducted several clinics on guitar, improvisation, and
Afro- Caribbean music. He also performs with the Latin Jazz Trio of
Gerardo Colon Ortiz, The B3 Organ Trio of Clarence Creer, the
contemporary jazz/R&B groups Against All Odds, The Kevin Flowers Band,
and the gospel jazz project Alexander/Cooper.
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"Breath Of Life" CD |
An instrumental potpouri of praise via
rhythms of the African Diaspora as expressed in the Carribbean /
Latin America ie. Bomba Sica, Samba, Cha Cha and even some subdued
Second Line featuring some of the most sought after musicians of
Puerto Rico and U.S
"Absolutely remarkable, this CD is a
delight"! I love it ! This CD takes me to another level; you know
you are listening to some good music, when it takes you to a
completely different place. Listening to Aliento de vida, that is
exactly how I feel, alive. More than caribean jazz, this CD is a
Spirit lifter with a very relaxing sound." - Yanissa R. Vega Author
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Praise God From Whom All
Blessings Flow |
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Timothy 2:5 |
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Stella By Starlight |
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To purchase this CD visit
here!
For
other information about Andre Avelino visit:
here!
www.andreavelino.com |
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