William Cepeda Afro-Rican Jazz

Afro-Rican jazz is an original concept developed by trombonist, composer/ arranger William Cepeda that celebrates the heritage of Puerto Rican music and its African roots while creating a new shade of jazz with a hip flavor. Steeped in the jazz tradition (having studied and performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, David Murray and Donald Byrd among others), Cepeda developed this unique artistic expression by incorporating a contemporary jazz perspective with the musical and cultural traditions of his homeland, Puerto Rico. MY ROOTS & BEYOND, Cepeda's debut CD on Blue Jackel Records presents an innovative blend of jazz and traditional Puerto Rican musical forms such as: bomba, plena, jibaro, and danza. Inspired in part by his family of five generations preserving Afro-Puerto Rican music, Cepeda says: " I wanted to do something different. For many years, there has been the fusion of Cuban rhythms with jazz. I love that music, but I wanted to create something totally from my roots. The music on MY ROOT5 & BEYOND tells the story of where I come from and the traditions and history of my people. No one has heard music quite like this." MY ROOTS & BEYOND offers highly sophisticated jazz arrangements with a world music approach. The compact disc recording features original compositions and well-known works by Puerto Rican composers and features guest soloists Slide Hampton, Paquito D'Rivera and Yomo Toro. The recording is a collage of rigorous improvisations, complex harmonies, polyrhythmic grooves, modern colors and traditional elements. This CD cements Cepeda's reputation as a cutting edge composer and creator of new sounds. "Traditional Puerto Rican Music is often presented in a very simple manner, typically with only voice and percussion. Until now this music has not been heard much outside of Puerto Rico. I have brought this rich heritage to another level, to a wider audience, using a variety of authentic instruments and remaining true to the tradition. I've added more fire to the music, in the form of modern beautiful music for many, many people to enjoy.