Carolina Calvache is a Colombian jazz pianist. She is part of a new generation of composers and pianists whose style combines South American rhythms with contemporary jazz sounds. The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in North East caught her participation in the Mary Lou Williams women in jazz festival for exceptional artists 2011. Toshiko Akiyoshi, a legendary pianist, described her music as “Marvelous”. This young “lioness” hails from Colombia and is sure to rise to the top of the jazz charts. “She plays with an engaging, lyrical style that encompasses a full spectrum of fire and finesse.” Jose Dacosta (Exodos to jazz, July 21 2011). Carolina, a New York City-based pianist, has collaborated with many musicians, including Antonio Sanchez, Jaleelshaw, John Benitez and Samuel Torres. Sotareno is her debut album. It reflects both her Colombian roots and modern jazz elements. It is a collection for trio, trio, duo, and solo piano. It features a top line of musicians: Michael Rodriguez on trumpet, Ludwig Afonso (drums), Hans Glawischnig (bass), Jaleel Shaw (saxophone) and Antonio Sanchez (special guest). Her own label will release the album in July 2013. “I believe there is no better place to get inspired to create an album like this than NYC. You can hear, taste, and see the beauty of each country at the same time, and then absorb it all to find your own voice.” Carolina collaborated with Luis Perdomo, a great composer and pianist (pianist of Miguel Zenon’s Quartet, Ravi Coltrane, and other), and he was a musical assistant during the creation of this album. Calvache began her formal education at Conservatory of Music Antonio Maria Valencia as a 6 year old. Cali, Colombian University gave her a degree in Music with an emphasis on piano. Carolina received a full scholarship later and began her education in jazz at the University of North Texas. She was also awarded a fellowship to finish her Master’s degree. She also arranged and conducted a big band as well as a smaller group called The Zebras while at UNT. She also taught jazz piano lab classes. Carolina’s compositional work includes piano solo, woodwinds pieces and big band compositions. The piano piece “Te agradezco”, which she composed for piano solo, was a success and was published in Colombia by an important publishing house of the University of Valle (Santiago de Cali). The pianist currently performs in New York City and collaborates with other artists from the New York City Jazz Scene. from www.carolinacalvache.com
