Richard Bona Asante Trio

Venue: Vancouver Playhouse

Vancouver International Jazz Festival presents Richard Bona Asante Trio

Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift, he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose, and the way he connects with his audience has turned him into a staple name in world, jazz and Afropop music.

Bona’s new group, Asante Trio, is testament to his philosophy of cultural collaboration. Joining Bona is pianist Jesus Pupo, who pays tribute to the “piano Cubano” style and its vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythmic and melodic heritage. Percussionist Harvel Nakundi provides the groove and layered rhythmic complexity inherent to the many styles that influence the group’s sound. In their collective fusion of jazz, Afro-Cuban, and African styles, Asante Trio embodies the transatlantic musical affinities that trace their roots back to the African continent.

Richard Bona has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along the diverse notable collaborations Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects. He is currently producing and recording for Latin and Brazilian artists in the realm of pop, Brazilian songbook, Flamenco and Caribbean music.