Chris Cortez & Friends featuring Joel Rosenblatt & Ron Jenkins 2/18/2022
Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave, Winter Park
Drummer Joel Rosenblatt is one of the most sought-after jazz/fusion drummers in the world today. A partial list of his credits includes collaborations with Spyro Gyra, Bill Evans, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Chieli Minucci and Special EFX, Ken Navarro, Oz Noy, Chuck Loeb, Mike Manieri, Steve Khan, Randy Brecker, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Russel Ferrante, Michel Camilo , Bernie Williams, Eliane Elias, Michael Davis, Peter White, Manhattan Transfer, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Paquito D’Rivera, Pure Prairie League, and many more.
Bassist Ron Jenkins is also in demand worldwide and has collaborated with Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Gato Barbieri, Chuck Loeb, Phil Perry, Jeff Golub, Bob James, Wayman Tisdale, Bob Baldwin, Philippe Saisse, Kirk Whalum, Nelson Rangell, Walter Beasley, Warren Hill, Alex Bugnon, Kim Waters, Defunkt, Bill Evans, and Anita Baker.
These two powerhouse players will form the rhythm section for guitarist Chris Cortez’ next recording project. The trio will be augmented by Orlando pianist Bob Thornton, who is a professor at University of Central Fla and performed on Cortez’ most recent recording, Hermanos with trumpeter Larry Williams. The quartet will perform Cortez’ original music and unique arrangements of popular songs that have become audience favorites over the years.
Special guests include Jeff Rupert on saxophone and John DePaola on trumpet.
Chris Cortez is a jazz guitarist/vocalist who owns and operates the record label Blue Bamboo Music and the venue Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. He is an international recording artist with 8 CDs under his own name, and many sideman credits. A partial list of his collaborations includes Richard Smith, Chieli Minuchi and Special EFX, Ira Sullivan, Joe Diorio, Herbie Mann, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Jeff Sipe, and Richie Cole. Cortez has produced CDs featuring Mike Stern, Jeff Sipe, Antonio Sanchez, Harvie S, and Carol Morgan among others, and has produced many concerts featuring diverse artists such as Pat Martino, Charlie Hunter, Maria Muldaur, Jeff Coffin, Bob James, Henhouse Prowlers, Special EFX, Chuchito Valdez, Rosano Sportiello, Nicki Parrott, Gil Goldstein, Corky Seigel, and Mike Stern.
The live concert recording will take place at Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts on February 18th and 19th, 2022 at 8PM. In addition to the live concerts and recording, Joel Rosenblatt will perform a drum/percussion Master Class on 2/19 at 2PM.