Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Anabel Gil Diaz
2024-07-31 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-12 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Award-winning, multi-instrumentalist and composer, Anabel Gil Diaz was born on 1994 in Havana, Cuba where she graduated from the Superior Institute of Art. She has developed professionally as a flutist, professor and producer with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra under the conduction of Orbert Davis, since November 2014 to date. Her presentations as both classical and jazz, include performances at renowned venues in the US such as Millenium Park, Auditorium Theatre, Navy Pier Concert Hall, Chicago State University Concert Hall , Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall, Berklee Performance Center. And in Europe, at the Auditorium “Paco de Lucía”, the Auditorium of Alicante (ADDA), Auditorium of Torrevieja, Spanish Institute of Radio and Television, Jazz Club Square, Galileo Galilei, AC Jazz Recoletos, Berlin Café, National Auditorium of Madrid.

She has received positive critiques by Splash Magazine, Chicago Tribune, El País and El Diario. She received Masterclasses from international artists such as James Galway, Maxance Larrieu, Sibel Pensel, Paquito de Rivera, Sarpay Ozcagatay, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Edmar Colon, Dave Santoro, Marquis Hill, Chris Bullock, Orlando Valle (Maraca), among others. Some of the scholarships she has been granted are the full scholarship from the University of Lynn in Miami; Presidential Scholarship from The Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; The Artists Society (AIE) scholarship in Madrid, Spain. She participated in the recording for the “New Jazz Standards Vol. 1” album by Terri Lyne Carrington, released on September 2022; and is current flutist of the Film Music Orchestra (SSP) at Berklee College of Music. Most recently, she has been accepted to the Film Scoring Academy of Europe’s Master in Fine Arts program in 2023.

Alyssa Barker
2024-07-28 12:00 - 14:00
Join us for an afternoon of jazz with Alyssa Barker on violin and Elijah Baradi on keys, presented by Jazz Urbane. This talented duo, representing the spirit and innovation of Jazz Urbane, brings a fresh take on classic jazz standards, blending the warm, melodic sound of the violin with the rhythmic and harmonic textures of the piano. Their set features timeless favorites along with surprising jazz interpretations of popular songs, offering something for everyone.

Embark on a musical journey with Alyssa Barker, a violinist celebrated for her transcendent performances that seamlessly blend classical elegance with contemporary innovation. Alyssa specializes in both acoustic and electric violin performances, showcasing her versatility and unique ability to bridge traditional and modern musical worlds. Alyssa’s extraordinary talent has graced iconic stages worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music scene. Her musical odyssey has flourished under the guidance of renowned mentors, including Dr. Bill Banfield, Julius Williams, and original Trans Siberian Orchestra member Mark Wood. Having studied with these luminaries, she not only honed her technical prowess but also developed a unique artistic voice that sets her apart. Mark Wood, praising her exceptional skill and leadership, remarked, “Not only is Alyssa a master on the violin, but she also has tremendous talent in leadership and commitment to her passion, which is music and life.” Known for her collaborative spirit, Alyssa has shared the stage with Grammy Award-winning and nominated artists such as Larry Klein, Allen Stone, Daymé Arocena, Kenny Werner, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Her performances resonate with a fusion of genres, showcasing a dynamic range that captivates audiences around the globe. Alyssa’s impressive repertoire includes performances at illustrious venues like Carnegie Hall in New York and Symphony Hall in Boston. Beyond the classical realm, she has made significant contributions to the world of film and comedy, featuring on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of the Academy Award-contending documentary “Sky Blossom: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation” and appearing on the latest Sarah Silverman comedy special, “Someone You Love.”Web@alyssabarkermusic Everywhere

Samuel Batista
2024-07-24 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-02 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-29 18:00 - 20:00
Panamanian saxophonist, composer, and educator Samuel Batista mixes Panamanian folkloric and urban music with jazz. His latest album, Panama United, featuring Anthony Fung (drums), Eunjeong Hwong (piano) and James Dale (bass) covers traditional Panamanian rhythms within his original compositions, aiming to preserve Panamanian folklore while documenting his firsts travels in the United States.

In 2012, he was admitted with a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, where he earned a double degree in Performance and Jazz Composition. During these years of study, Batista had the honor of learning from some of the world’s most notable musicians such as Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, Ben Street, Joe Lovano and Marco Pignataro.

While completing his studies at Berklee, Samuel worked as coordinator of international auditions at the Panama Jazz Festival, and collaborated in educational activities as musical director, arranger and orchestrator for American vibraphonist Stefon Harris and Spanish singer Miguel Bosé. Similarly, he experienced his first international exhibitions in places such as Carnegie Hall, Small Jazz Club, Outside The Box Music Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Kriol Jazz Festival, together with artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Zahili Gonzales Zamora, Ron Savage, Neal Smith and Antonio Hart.

While working with bassist Oscar Stagnaro and pianist and producer Alain Mallet, and drummer Mark Walker, Batista was appointed to teach at The New England Conservatory for The Preparatory Jazz School and the Continuing Education Program. His 2018 debut album, Panama United, was produced by Alain Mallet and premiered during the 19th edition of the Panama Jazz Festival along with his “Panamanian Sextet”.

In 2018, Batista returned to Panama and toured with Panamanian singer Ruben Blades while working as an educator at the Danilo Perez Foundation. After four years as a piano teacher for children ages three to five, Batista was granted a full scholarship for the graduate program at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.

Batista currently lives in Boston, where he is working on his upcoming album Rising to Love.

Sam Spear
2024-07-17 18:00 - 20:00
By:PenelopeSantana

The Sam Spear Quintet delivers hard-hitting bop, soulful swing, and blistering ballads. Composed of two saxes, piano, bass, and drums, the group performs an eclectic mix of original tunes and cleverly crafted arrangements of jazz standards.

https://samspearmusic.com/

Facebook: Sam Spear Music

Instagram: @sam_spear_music

Ron Reid
2024-07-10 18:00 - 20:00
Ron Reid is a bassist, steel drummer, educator and composer. The Trinidadian musician is also a Professor of Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with Randy Weston, Carmen Lundy, Dave Samuels Caribbean Jazz Project as well as a host of notable calypso and soca artists. He has three CDs as a leader, the most recent ‘Precious Metals’ was released on the Jazz Urbane label. Ron also leads the Sunsteel Quintet in which he exclusively plays steel pans.

ronreid.com

Instagram – @ronreidmusic

Facebook – Ron Reid

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora
2024-07-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-09-27 18:00 - 20:00
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora is a Cuban pianist, composer, bandleader, arranger, and educator. She feels most defined by her Cuban heritage and her status as an immigrant. Her passion for music has taken her to Canada, to South East Asia and, now, to the United States. Her rich musical background, career experience and extraordinary improvisation skills render her a leader in the modern Latin jazz idiom and an influential, emulated musician.

​In 2018, her Afro-Cuban jazz Trio, MIXCLA, released its self-titled album, which features her original tunes and arrangements. It has received critical acclaim and earned the attention of major agents locally and internationally. The album has thus far advanced in the world of jazz, adding to her accolades two nominations from the Boston Music Awards (2018 & 2019).

https://www.zahilizamora.com

https://www.instagram.com/zahiligz/

Bill Banfield's Imagine Orchestra
2024-06-30 12:00 - 14:00
Jazz Urbane will bring Bill Banfield’s iconic Imagine Orchestra to the UnCommon Stage and Harpoon Beer Garden. Join us on Sunday, June 30th, and experience the ten+ piece jazz chamber orchestra, which includes a string trio, rhythm trio and percussion, and winds and brass. It is an eclectic approach to a creative composing/performing ensemble where the music is both fully orchestrated and improvised, and represents how creative artists come to collaborate and “imagine” what the music whispers to musicians to reach for…

Grab a drink from Harpoon’s wide selection of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages, snag delicious food from Rosa Mexicano, and enjoy a “Jazz Brunch” like no other.

Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Trio
2024-06-26 18:00 - 20:00

Anibal Cruz
2024-06-08 13:00 - 15:00
Cuban Pianist, Composer, Arranger, and Bandleader Anibal Cruz is a Berklee graduate, skilled in Composition and Jazz performance. Since launching his career, he has achieved significant milestones including his first single, “La Raza,” released in 2021. Cruz has performed alongside notable artists such as Paquito de Rivera, Armando Manzanero, Egui Castrillo, Joe McCarthy, Ruben Rodrigez, Alain Perez, and Berta Rojas, in addition to being part of the cast of Ayodele Casel’s “Chasing Magic.”

His international tours span Europe, Latin America, and the United States, featuring performances with Ayodele Casel, David Rivera, DeJan, Los Adolescentes, Manolo Mairena, Cucu Diamantes, and Adonis Puentes since 2018. As a bandleader, he heads Clave & Blues, a Cuban & Latin Music Orchestra, and The Blue Island Project, a Latin Jazz quartet.

In his growing discography, Cruz has contributed to several albums including “Ricano” by Jonathan Suazo, “Illegal Grooves” by Nacho Gonzalez, “Ká Berto” by Jaasiel Sança, “Coffee Gold Sugar Cane” by Flavio Lira, “De todo un poco” by Manolo Mairena, and “Desde Lejos” by Juan Ruiz. His involvement in these diverse projects showcases his versatility and commitment to his musical career.

Jesse Taitt
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-08-23 18:00 - 20:00
Jesse Taitt is a multifaceted pianist, composer, arranger, and educator with a rich musical journey. He holds a dual degree in Jazz Composition and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music, where he refined his sensitivity and technical prowess. Starting at the Boston Arts Academy, Jesse cultivated his musicality studying Classical music with Boston Conservatory Professor Harriet Lundberg and Jazz under Hey Rim Jeon through the Berklee City Music Program.

Throughout his academic journey at the Arts Academy and Berklee, Jesse engaged with luminaries such as Phillip Bailey, Seymour Bernstein, Dr. Billy Taylor, Regina Carter, George Duke, Walter Beasley, Doug Johnson, Laszlo Gardony, Joanne Brackeen, En Vogue, Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Gavin Degraw, Mark Gross, Lou Cash, Boston Pops, Hugh Masakela, Bill Charlap, Vincent Herring, and Cecil Bridgewater.

As an active participant in the Boston music scene, he directed Boston-based group Jazz Urbane, was the driving force behind the Jesse Taitt Trio, and earned recognition as a dedicated AmeriCorp Community Leader and Public Allies Leader.

Jesse’s impact extended beyond his performances, as he also contributed as an Artist-Educator in the Boston Arts Academy’s Alumni Creative Core program. Notably, he achieved international recognition as an International Guest Artist in Rwanda during the summer of 2013. There, he led master classes and headlined the Kigali UP Festival, collaborating with esteemed artists like Joey Blake and sharing his artistry on projects alongside the likes of George Duke, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Christian Scott.

A pursuit of excellence led Jesse to complete his Masters in Music with a focus on Jazz Arranging and Composition at William Paterson University in 2017. Today, Jesse is Assistant Professor in the Harmony and Jazz Composition Department and Lecturer of Jazz Piano at Dartmouth College.

As a skilled pianist, composer, and educator, Jesse continually ventures into new musical and philanthropic realms. With his diverse experiences, including his time as a sideman on various projects, his impact resonates across New York, Boston, and New Jersey. Keep an eye out for Jesse’s forthcoming projects that promise fresh artistic perspectives and innovative collaborations.

Sam Spear
2024-05-15 18:00 - 20:00
By:PenelopeSantana

The Sam Spear Quinet delivers hard-hitting bop, soulful swing, and blistering ballads. Composed of two saxes, piano, bass, and drums, the group performs an eclectic mix of original tunes and cleverly crafted arrangements of jazz standards.

https://samspearmusic.com/

Facebook: Sam Spear Music

Instagram: @sam_spear_music

Anibal Cruz
2023-10-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-09-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-12 16:00 - 18:00

Sam Spear
2023-10-18 18:00 - 20:00
The Sam Spear Quinet delivers hard-hitting bop, soulful swing, and blistering ballads. Composed of two saxes, piano, bass, and drums, the group performs an eclectic mix of original tunes and cleverly crafted arrangements of jazz standards.

https://samspearmusic.com/

Facebook: Sam Spear Music

Instagram: @sam_spear_music

The Jazzi
2023-10-11 18:00 - 20:00
A group of friends and professional musicians that are deeply in love with jazz and like to share emotions through their playing. The different backgrounds of each member add a special flavor to both the arrangements of famous jazz standards and to the original compositions, creating a unique landscape where elements of their cultures merge.

https://www.instagram.com/samuelcerra/

Anabel Gil Diaz
2023-10-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-08-09 18:00 - 20:00

Alyssa Barker and Chris Bramel
2023-09-20 18:00 - 20:00
Alyssa Barker is a versatile and accomplished violinist, captivating audiences with her extraordinary talent and undeniable passion for music. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, with extensive ensemble experience across various genres, including classical symphonies, jazz ensembles, chamber orchestras, and popular music bands, Alyssa’s artistic versatility knows no bounds.Alyssa’s talent has graced notable performances at acclaimed venues and events, including two performances at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall, and The Unveiling of the Embrace in Boston. She has also shared the stage with celebrated artists and groups such as Allen Stone, Mark Wood, Larry Klein, Joe Deninzon, Braxton Cook, and the Jazz Urbane Imagine Orchestra directed by Bill Banfield. Her artistry even extended to the realms of film and television, as she recorded on the score for the Academy Award qualifying documentary, Sky Blossom and for comedian Sarah Silverman’s latest HBO Max special.As a freelance musician, Alyssa has been enchanting audiences at various locations since 2015. Collaborating closely with business owners and event planners, she crafts captivating atmospheres, ensuring unforgettable experiences at events such as dinner parties, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, weddings, and other formal occasions. Her skills as an electric violinist are frequently on display as the Electric Violinist in Residence at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel.With her unwavering passion, exceptional talent, and diverse skill set, Alyssa Barker continues to make waves in the music industry. Her captivating performances and artistic versatility leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, while her dedication to supporting and enhancing the musical community showcases her commitment to the growth and success of her fellow musicians. Alyssa Barker is a force to be reckoned with, and her star continues to rise in the world of music.

@alyssabarkermusic, @the_real_branimal

Bill Banfield's Jazz Urbane
2023-08-30 18:00 - 20:00

Sam Spear
2023-08-16 18:00 - 20:00
https://samspearmusic.com/

Facebook: Sam Spear Music

Instagram: @sam_spear_music

Candombe meets Bostonia!
2023-08-02 18:00 - 20:00
Alejandra Gala is a trumpet player from Uruguay, South America. She has been immersed in Uruguayan traditional music called Candombe. Alejandra’s music transmits a message that configures within each listener. She is interested in exploring the connection between different languages, rhythms, and traditions.“Music is a sacred space where I seek who I am. As an improviser the connection with the “now” is as vital as breathing. Is the opportunity to tell stories…the opportunity to be.”The Uruguayan trumpet player presents a show called “Candombe meets Bostonia!”. Her quintet features Noah Preminger (tenor sax), Eric Hofbauer (guitar), John Lockwood (double bass) and Carlos H. Pou (drums).

Instagram: @aleg.music

Ron Reid and the Liberty Quintet
2023-07-19 18:00 - 20:00
Ron Reid is a bassist, steel drummer, educator and composer. The Trinidadian-born musician is also a Professor of Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with Randy Weston, Carmen Lundy, Dave Samuels Caribbean Jazz Project as well as a host of notable calypso and soca artists. He has three CDs as a leader, the most recent ‘Precious Metals’ was released on the Jazz Urbane label. Ron also leads the Sunsteel Quintet in which he exclusively plays steel pans.

ronreid.com

Instagram – @ronreidmusic

Facebook – Ron Reid
