Gabriel Chakarji Piano Solo: NY Jazz with a Venezuelan Accent

• Jazz, Blues, Swing & Chanson

Gabriel Chakarji is a Grammy-winning pianist and composer known for his unique blend of Venezuelan and New York jazz music. He presents a fresh repertoire with influences from Latin America and his native Venezuela. His versatility between modern jazz and international folk music has established him on the scene. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Ben Wendel, Arturo Sandoval, Ari Hoenig, and Dayna Stephens, to name a few. This concert is a journey through the diverse possibilities offered by the piano in these musical worlds—from original pieces with complex orchestrations to arrangements of Latin American classics and reinterpretations of compositions by Thelonious Monk.

About the artist: Growing up in Caracas, Gabriel was exposed to a variety of musical styles, including Afro-Venezuelan folk music, Caribbean and Brazilian music, as well as jazz and gospel anthems. He eventually moved to New York City to explore new musical frontiers and has since performed at some of the city's most famous venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Blue Note, and Dizzy's Club. Gabriel has released two critically acclaimed albums as a bandleader: "Vida" and "New Beginning." His composition "Enredadera" was nominated for Best Jazz Single at the 20th Independent Music Awards in New York City. In 2022, Gabriel was awarded the prestigious Jazz Gallery Residency Commission and the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award. In addition to his successful career as a bandleader, Gabriel has collaborated with numerous artists and companies worldwide, including Disney's "Encanto Sing-Along Show." He participated with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra on the Grammy-winning album "Fandango at the Wall in New York." His compositions and playing reflect his passion for social justice and multiculturalism.

www.gabrielchakarji.com