Danilo Rojas & Afro-Andean Latinoamerican Ensemble

Presents: “Pan-American Highway”.

Uniquely, the only Bolivian pianist and composer in Australia, Danilo Rojas has gathered together specialists in Afro-Andean Latinoamerican music who are also some of the finest jazz musicians from Melbourne and Brisbane to present “Pan-American Highway”.

The program of the ensemble will take you on a musical tour of the most significant traditional rhythms and melodies from Afro-Andean Latinoamerican music in union with jazz and improvisation. Included are original arrangements of works from the most influent composers from Danilo’s childhood as well his musical career, beginning with his Father, the acclaimed Bolivian composer, Gilberto Rojas (1916-1983).

The traditional music travels through the mixture and texture of the South American accent today in the Milonga, Candombe, Taquirari, Huayño, Festejo, Lando, Vals Criollo, Zamba, Cueca, Bolero, Samba, Bossa Nova
amoung others.

Danilo Rojas studied a Masters degree in Music in jazz and improvisation at the University of Melbourne (Faculty of Fine Arts and Music) researching music tradition and innovation. He is author of the Bolivian Songbook “Bolivian Book Music Improvisation” and has been recognised by the Parliament of Bolivia as an artistic ambassador for his contribution to the innovation of Bolivian music receiving the National Culture Award in the category “Nilo Soruco” in 2014.

Musicians

Claudia Osegueda (voice)
Diego Neder (bass)
Mario Conde “Celestino”(sikus, quena, charango)
Mario Lattuada (guitar)
Mirko Guerrini (saxophone tenor, soprano)
Salvador Pérsico (percussion)
Danilo Rojas (piano)

Giovanni Riveros (guitar) special guest