Bossa Nuevo
BOSSA NUEVO's journey of finding its identity and defining its own sound began on October 14, 2009, when the band first appeared on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus with its debut performance at a local jazz club, The Iron Post. Aside from paying a humble tribute to such giants of Brazilian music as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Edu Lobo, and Gilberto Gil, the ensemble's repertoire also included compositions by Argentinian tango master, Astor Pantaleon Piazzolla. This fusion of seemingly unrelated, yet deeply intertwined, genres is what serves as a catalyst for BOSSA NUEVO's artistic persona, hence the name -- a juxtaposition of Bossa Nova and Tango Nuevo: Bossa Nuevo.
Bossa Nuevo was founded and is led by bassist, music director, and manager Karim Yengsep. Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Karim started studying double bass at Western Oregon University, which he attended on an International student scholarship. In 2007, Karim was admitted on a full tuition-waiver scholarship to the University of Illinois School of Music where he is now pursuing a Doctorate degree in Jazz Performance in the studio of Professor Larry Gray.
Group's vocalist, Holly Holmes, is a jazz vocalist, educator, and a fellow in Latin American and Caribbean Studies currently working on her Ph.D. in Musicology at UIUC. She adds a unique and a personal flavor to every composition in her musical narrative. Her familiarity with repertoire and sophisticated vocal technique allows the ensemble to explore challenging and exciting material at every performance.
The compositions are introduced by flutist and saxophonist Mikael Templeton, native of South Carolina, who further enriches the texture by harmonizing the melody line and interpreting the melodic information in his solos. Mikael has successfully completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from UIUC and currently lives and performs with many ensembles and as a solo artist in Urbana, IL.
The rhythm section underlines this counterpoint providing a solid background and consists, among others, of guitarist and a DMA in Jazz Studies candidate George Turner. Aaron Steinberg, a staff writer of Jazz Times, states that "George Turner combines the gentlemanly, harmonic sophistication of Jim Hall and the soul-jazz invention of Wes Montgomery on a laid-back, 75-degree afternoon. This sound comes straight out of the classic jazz guitar heartland." George is a staple of the Champaign-Urbana music scene and regularly performs as a solo artist in local venues.
Jazz pianist and educator, Lara Driscoll, is BOSSA NUEVO's pianist. Throughout her time in Champiagn-Urbana she established herself as a prominent member of the music scene and can be often heard leading her own groups or playing solo piano. Lara's unique voice stands out with its lyricism, harmonic colors, and ability to connect strongly with the audience. She holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance degree from UIUC School of Music and was a recipient of prestigious John Garvey Scholarship in Jazz Studies award given to one jazz major in an academic year.
Last, but not the least, drummer and percussionist Matt Plaskota seats at the drumset of BOSSA NUEVO. A recent graduate with Bachelor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance degree from UIUC, Matt is one of the few most sought-after and in demand drummers in Central Illinois. His work is a testament to his fresh musical ideas and colorful musical personality.
Percussionist Cody Jensen, who hails from the South Chicago Heights, holds a Bachelor of Music Percussion Performance. You can hear him masterfully perform on cuica, guiro, pandeiro, wood-block, triangle, shakers, and many instruments with our group on our online recordings and debut release.
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