Sofia Koutsovitis Downloads

Sofia Koutsovitis belongs to a new generation of musicians who imaginatively explore the connection between jazz and contemporary music and the rich musical traditions of South America. An active vocalist, composer and arranger, her primary musical project to date, the Sofia Koutsovitis Group, is... Learn More »

Sofia Koutsovitis belongs to a new generation of musicians who imaginatively explore the connection between jazz and contemporary music and the rich musical traditions of South America. An active vocalist, composer and arranger, her primary musical project to date, the Sofia Koutsovitis Group, is grounded in traditional South American rhythms such as chacarera and zamba from Argentina, Afro-peruvian festejo and lando and various Brazilian genres that merge organically with sophisticated harmonies and exploratory improvisations. Singing in Spanish, Portuguese or English, Sofia's voice is alternately graceful and authoritative in interpreting her dynamic original compositions or material by eminent musical poets such as Silvio Rodriguez, Astor Piazolla, Paulinho da Viola, and Chabuca Granda.

Sofia grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She started her musical studies at the age of 4 and began singing professionally in the prestigious Children's Choir of Buenos Aires Opera House Teatro Colon when she was 9 years old. She studied classical vocal performance at the National Conservatory and gained experience within the circles of classical and avant-garde music, performing in the most distinguished halls of Buenos Aires. In 2001, incited by her desire to learn vocal improvisation techniques and composition, she moved to Boston to pursue a Master's Degree at the New England Conservatory, where she studied with Danilo Perez, Dominique Eade, Charlie Banacos and Steve Lacy.

Currently a resident of New York City, since making the move in 2005, Sofia has become a very active member of the new Jazz and Latin American music scene - collaborating with musicians such as; Geoffrey Keezer, Aquiles Baez, Bob Moses, Russ Ferrante, Lionel Loueke, Jamey Haddad, Pablo Mayor and Montserrat Torras. In addition, she is the lead vocalist of several ensembles that involve Jazz, experimental music, Afro-Peruvian, Afro-Colombian, Brazilian and Argentine music, including Folklore Urbano, Avantrio, Aurea, Alcatraz and Veus.

Sofia Koutsovitis can be seen performing at New York venues such as the Blue Note, Satalla, SOBs, Tonic and Sweet Rhythm, at Washington DC's Kennedy Center and at Jordan Hall and the Regattabar in Boston. In 2004, she was invited to take part in the international 'Betty Carter Jazz Ahead' institute, a program designed to promote emerging jazz composers, and in 2005 her music was featured during a residency at the 2005 Aspen Jazz Academy, directed by Christian McBride. Most recently, her project has performed in Argentina and Puerto Rico and participated in the 2006 edition of the International Jazz en Lima Festival in Peru.


Sofia Koutsovitis Group

The music of the SofÍa Koutsovitis Group is grounded in South American rhythms like chacarera and zamba from Argentina, Afro-Peruvian festejo and lando, and various Brazilian genres, which it unites witht he harmonic and melodic innovations of jazz in a pan-stylistic tapestry of sound. Singing in Spanish, Portuguese, or English, SofÍa's voice simultaneously employs stylistic codes drawn from multiple sources. This cross pollination of musical traditions is reflected in her original compositions and arrangements of selections by eminent musical poets such as Silvio Rodriguez, Astor Piazolla, Paulinho da Viola, Chabuca Granda and Raul Carnota.

The ensemble produces a range of textures as diverse as the cultural roots of its members, an international cast that includes some of the most exciting young talent from North and South America. Supporting SofÍa's beautiful vocals are Peruvian bassist Jorge Roeder, Peruvian percussionist Jorge Perez Albela, Argentine pianist Leo Genovese, young drumming phenomenon Richie Barshay, trumpeter Eric Bloom, tenor and soprano sax player Dan Blake, and Alto saxophonis Adam Schneit. Jorge Roeder has worked in a variety of settings ranging from Classical, as assistant principal bassist of the Lima Philharmonic at age 21, to folkloric music and jazz (with jazz legend Roy Haynes, among others). Jorge Perez Albela has a wide-ranging experience in jazz and folkloric traditions from his country, having worked with legendary vocalists Eva Ayllon, Tania Libertad and Fabiola De La Cuba. Richie Barshay has been a member of Herbie Hancock's group since 2003. Rounding out the rhythm section is Leo Genovese, a Fresh Sound recording artist who tours Europe and South America regularly as part of several ensembles. The sounds of saxophonist Dan Blake, whom Dave Liebman has called "one of the most diverse and adventurous young players I have heard," sure-toned saxophonist and clarinetist Adam Scheit, and jason Palmer on trumpet (a member of Blue Note artist Greg Osby's group), intermingle to create unexpected sonorities and flights of collective improvisation.

In truth, the only predictable feature in the playful music of the SofÍa Koutsovitis Group may be its leader's search for change and surprise, a sonic discovery leading the listener to a very different place in each song. The group has been featured in numerous festivals and clubs in the North East area and several V and radio shows such as WGBH's Eric in the evening.
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