Michel Nirenberg Brazilian Jazz Quartet at Twins Jazz

News flash: Young saxophone master and composer Michel Nirenberg has just been nominated for two WAMMIE AWARDS. His 2015 album "Retrato/Portrait" is up for Best Debut Recording and Best Jazz Recording. Nirenberg returns to Twins with equally accomplished and charismatic musicians. They'll play the vibrant melodies and rhythms of his homeland, giving listeners a brand new experience of Brazilian jazz.

In reviewing the CD Dan Bilawski of All About Jazz writes, “In terms of style, substance, and execution, Nirenberg ranks high. This is some brilliant Brazilian jazz." Raul da Gama of the Latin Jazz Network, says, “Here is a player who uses virtuosity not for self-aggrandizement but to glorify the music.” Released last June, the album soared on the American CMJ radio charts peaking at No. 6. ...

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News flash: Young saxophone master and composer Michel Nirenberg has just been nominated for two WAMMIE AWARDS. His 2015 album "Retrato/Portrait" is up for Best Debut Recording and Best Jazz Recording. Nirenberg returns to Twins with equally accomplished and charismatic musicians. They'll play the vibrant melodies and rhythms of his homeland, giving listeners a brand new experience of Brazilian jazz.

In reviewing the CD Dan Bilawski of All About Jazz writes, “In terms of style, substance, and execution, Nirenberg ranks high. This is some brilliant Brazilian jazz." Raul da Gama of the Latin Jazz Network, says, “Here is a player who uses virtuosity not for self-aggrandizement but to glorify the music.” Released last June, the album soared on the American CMJ radio charts peaking at No. 6.

Listeners will hear selections from the album along with new compositions and arrangements. Among them are the choro “Teclas Pretas,” by Pascoal de Barros and “Faith” by Michel Nirenberg. The band will cover Leonardo Lucini’s popular Brazilian take on Ellington’s “Caravan,” and Nirenberg will unveil “Pascoalizando,” his new tribute to Brazilian great Hermeto Pascoal. Nirenberg will play saxophones, 7‐string guitar and percussion.

After earning many awards and an undergraduate degree in Brazil, Nirenberg earned a master’s degree in classical performance from James Madison University. His group features Wayne Wilentz on keys and percussionist Fernando Saci. On Friday night bassist Ethan Foote will perform. On Saturday local legend Mike Pope takes the stage.

Known as bassist for Chick Corea, David Sanborn, Al DiMeola, Joe Locke and Eldar Djangirov, Mike Pope moved from NYC to Maryland, recording and touring from his new home base. He recently earned a master’s in music from Towson University.

The group will convey the irresistible excitement found in the dance halls and streets of Brazil, where Nirenberg has played in many Carnival parades. The quartet appears April 1 and 2 with shows at 9 & 11 PM. Order tickets from http://www.twinsjazzz.com/

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