Cafêzz

Style

Cafêzz embraces a wide array of Caribbean, Brazilian, Latin, jazz, rock, folk and classical influences.

The band is not focused on individual virtuosity, but relies on communication and interaction.

"Cafêzz" is a portmanteau of the words café (coffee in Spanish) and jazz, and it captures their notion that a customary coffee moment could also be an occasion to share music with friends.

History

Cafêzz was formed in San Juan, Puerto Rico during the summer of 2014 by pianist Carmen Noemí and bassist Edgardo "Egui" Sierra, after completion and release of their Music & Friends CD. Their first formal performance was on August 13, 2014, during the Music & Friends release party at Downtown Bar & Grill in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. The live concert featured 16 musicians who had participated in the recording process, plus several special guests.

The lineup was as follows: Ricardo Pons, Pedro Rivera Toledo, Norberto "Tiko" Ortiz, José Roberto Jiménez, Roberto Bermúdez, Osvaldo López, Raúl Maldonado, Arnaldo Rivera, Danny Lloret, Christian Galíndez, Mónica Nieves, Ariana González, Marlene Grafals, Lianir Vales, Marielys Aldarondo and Angélica Kolsan. Special guests were Brenda Hopkins, Samuel Morales and Héctor Matos, plus bandladers Carmen Noemí and Edgardo Sierra.

Following Downtown's presentation the group adopted a trio format. The group's interplay included drummer Héctor Matos and made it easy to add Christian Galíndez on percussion and Norberto "Tiko" Ortíz on saxophone.

Performances

The band played festivals, in-store mini concerts and small clubs.

Inter Metro Jazz Festival

As a quintet, Cafêzz performed at the Inter Metro Jazz festival on September 15, 2014. Local guitarist Jorge Laboy was featured on several pieces, including "Espresso Jam".

Heneiken Ventana al Jazz Festival

On December 28, 2014, Cafêzz quintet performed for 13,500 at the Heneiken Ventana al Jazz festival.