Biography
The Caribbean Jazz Project (CJP) was formed in 1995 by vibraphonist and marimba specialist Dave Samuels, along with steel pan musician Andy Narell and saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera. Their debut concert took place in New York's Central Park, marking the beginning of a dynamic musical journey. The group's early years were highlighted by their self-titled debut album and 'Island Stories,' both featuring the original trio. Following the departure of Narell and D'Rivera, Samuels reformed the band with guitarist Steve Khan and flutist Dave Valentin, leading to further albums and a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album with 'The Gathering' in 2002. Over the years, CJP has evolved, incorporating musicians like Diego Urcola, Dario Eskenazi, Oscar Stagnaro, Mark Walker, and Roberto Quintero. Their music blends Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and Caribbean influences, creating a vibrant and dynamic sound. The Caribbean Jazz Project has been recognized for its contributions to Latin jazz, winning multiple Grammy Awards and maintaining a strong presence in the jazz scene. Dave Samuels, a key figure in the band, has a rich musical background, having played with notable artists like Spyro Gyra and Gerry Mulligan before founding CJP. His early life involved studying psychology at Boston University and beginning his musical career with local bands, eventually leading to his role as a premier mallet player.
Fun Facts
- The Caribbean Jazz Project's debut concert was held at Central Park Zoo in 1993, where Dave Samuels humorously notes they performed for the seals.
- Dave Samuels was a member of Spyro Gyra from 1977 to 1994 before founding CJP.
- The band won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album with 'The Gathering' in 2002.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Gerry Mulligan - mentor and band leader (Gerry Mulligan's band) [late 1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Paquito D'Rivera - original member and saxophonist (Caribbean Jazz Project, Island Stories) [1995-1997]
- Andy Narell - original member and steel pan musician (Caribbean Jazz Project, Island Stories) [1995-1997]
- Steve Khan - guitarist in the second iteration (The Gathering) [late 1990s-2002]
- Dave Valentin - flutist in the second iteration (The Gathering) [late 1990s-2002]
- Diego Urcola - trumpeter and flugelhornist in later iterations (various CJP albums) [early 2000s]
- Dario Eskenazi - pianist in later iterations (various CJP albums) [early 2000s]
- Oscar Stagnaro - bassist in various iterations (Caribbean Jazz Project, Island Stories) [1995-2000s]
- Mark Walker - drummer in various iterations (Caribbean Jazz Project, Island Stories) [1995-2000s]
- Roberto Quintero - percussionist in later iterations (various CJP albums) [early 2000s]
Artists Influenced
- None documented - No specific artists influenced by CJP are documented (N/A) [N/A]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birds Of A Feather | 2003-01-01 | Album |
| The Caribbean Jazz Project | 1995-01-01 | Album |
| New Horizons | 2000-02-01 | Album |
| Paraiso | 2001-04-10 | Album |
| The Caribbean Jazz Project | 1995-06-30 | Album |
| The Gathering | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Island Stories | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Afro Bop Alliance | 2008-03-25 | Album |
| Mosaic | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Island Stories | 1997-02-18 | Album |
| Here And Now - Live In Concert | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| The Gathering | 2002-06-11 | Album |
| Mosaic | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Schuur Fire | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| Schuur Fire | 2005-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- On The Road (Birds Of A Feather)
- Minor Mood (Birds Of A Feather)
- Moon And Sand (New Horizons)
- Jamboree (Paraiso)
- Arthur's Dance (Danzón para Arturo) (New Horizons)
- One For Tom (The Caribbean Jazz Project)
- Three Amigos (The Caribbean Jazz Project)
- A Night In Tunisia (New Horizons)
- Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (Schuur Fire)
- Como Un Bolero (The Caribbean Jazz Project)
External Links
Tags: #jazz
Heard on WWOZ
Caribbean Jazz Project has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2025 | 08:05 | latin quarterfrom self titled | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |