Giovanni Almonte – Special Opening performer: Fernandito Ferrer April 17, 2010

Giovanni Almonte – Special Opening performer: Fernandito Ferrer

April 17, Saturday, 8 pm, $10. / $5 -students

World Music: Salsa, Rock, Afro-Cuba, Jazz and Electronica.

Giovanni Almonte is a composer and vocalist born in New York City, the son of a Dominican family. His experience as the front man for the band brokenMadison has garnered him a
reputation as a powerful performer with a sincere and passionate stage presence.

Giovanni Almonte continues on his musical career as a solo artist embracing his Latin heritage and the influence of New York City’s diverse culture. He is recognized for blending elements of Salsa, Rock, Afro-Cuba, Jazz and Electronica. His unique yet diverse style and inspired writing has allowed him to perform and record with a wide range of musicians including hip-hop producer King Solomon, who featured Giovanni on the acclaimed 2009 release, “The Big Picture”. The Latin Jazz group The Curtis Brothers also featured Giovanni Almonte on another 2009 release.

Joining Giovanni:
Trumpet: Julie Acosta
Tenor: Albert Rivera (tentative)
Piano: Zaccai Curtis
Bass: Luques Curtis
Congas: Reinaldo DeJesus
Drums: Kenny Grohowski

The album “High vs. Low” is scheduled for release in March 2009 and includes 12 original compositions written, arranged and produced by Giovanni Almonte and Julie “Jewls” Acosta. The album is bi-lingual English and Spanish and is an eclectic and sophisticated production with global appeal.

Fernandito returns to TBT to perform a few songs before each of the 2 sets for tonight. He first appeared on stage in 1997 and has since made himself known throughout the island, the Caribbean, the US and Mexico. His percussive guitar technique and impressive vocal abilities, together with the good use of subtle, yet powerful melody and poetic imagery, put his music in a much wider context. His style is best compared to the works of Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, Silvio Rodriguez & Nick Drake. His music merges his prior influences as a drummer, his love for jazz, and his passion for folk music from around the globe.
www.myspace.com/fernanditoferrer

www.giovannialmonte.com

Official Website: http://www.buttonwood.org