Marimjazzia
Juan Álamo marimba, conga, guiro, egg shaker, cajon, timbales
Nelson Delgado jam block, shakers, guiro
UNC Percussion Ensemble
Victoria Nelson bells, chimes, bongo, tamborim, hand clapping
Matthew Kilby snare drum, gong, triangle, congas, hand clapping
Avery Sullivan cymbals, tambourine, bass drum, hand clapping
Patrick Smith vibraphone, hand clapping
Vincent Povázsay timpani
With a variety of musical flavors pulled from composers spanning Keiko Abe to Bach to Bill Evans, MARIMJAZZIA, composer and marimbist Juan Álamo’s debut album on Big Round Records delivers a satisfying plate of music for the soul. Along with arrangements of two jazz standards, Waltz for Debby and Afro Blues, the album features original compositions for marimba and percussion ensemble by the composer. As to the concept behind the album, Álamo says, “It is a reflection of who I am as a human being and a synthesis of all the different musical influences and experiences I have had throughout my career.” With accompaniments by the UNC Percussion Ensemble, MARIMJAZZIA brings together the warm airs of Álamo’s native Puerto Rico and the influences that have kept his passion flourishing.
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Artist Information
Juan Álamo
Dr. Juan Álamo is an internationally known performer, composer, and educator. Originally from Cidra, Puerto Rico, Álamo has presented solo recitals at universities and percussion and jazz festivals throughout the United States, Central and South America, Europe and the Caribbean. He has been featured as a soloist and with jazz ensembles in television and radio shows in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the United States.