Arlyn Gonzalez Band

Bios of the musicians Arlyn Gonzalez - vocals Arlyn del Carmen Gonzalez Sanchez, born in Cuba, in Havana on 20 July "that year".Since the age of 7 she began studying music at the Conservatory Manuel Saumell, where course primary school . She continued music studies at the ENA (National School of Arts) in Cuba. In '93 she joined the group "MEZCLA", as singer and keyboardist with which toured several European countries participating in several international festivals such as Festival of World Music Mariannensplatz, Berlin, Skagen Festival, Denmark; Karrebaeksminde Jazz Festival, Denmark; Hafenfest, Hamburg, Germany; One World Music Festival, Cologne, Germany; Caribbean Arts Festival, Santiago de Cuba and sharing the stage with important musicians such as Mike Mainieri, Steve Smith, Tony Martinez, Yosvany Terry. She recorded the album "LAS PUERTAS ESTÁN ABIERTAS" with Mezcla group, participated in the discography of the albums "THE TERRY" on vocals. In '96 began a very beautiful experience with the female group "SON DAMAS" (1st prize for best female group of '97 in Cuba) on keyboard and vocals, with which, for 6 years, she traveled several times all over 16 countries in Europe, Asia and Caribbean and which group participated in various festivals in Cuba and the world, and recorded the CD "LLEGÓ SON DAMAS" and "A TODO RITMO". Since 2002 she lives in Greece, where she has appeared in several stages, including MEGARO MUSIKIS, also recorded on the CD: "HABANA VIEJA", of the Greek pianist Dimitris Sevdalis. Founder of the group COLORES DE CUBA, member of the TRÍO ARDERÓ. She has formed part of the voices that accompany greek artists such as Elena Paparizou (part of her team since 2008 until present) Sakis Rouvas, CHRISTOS NIKOLOPOULOS, ANTONIS REMOS, among others. (without losing the Cubanism). Oleg Chaly - hammond organ, piano, upright bass Oleg Chaly is one of the jazz piano-players of Greece. Oleg co-operates with many local and foreign musicians crossing over into different styles and branches of music. He also took part in different festivals all over Scandinavia, Balkan countries, Russia,Germany and USA as well. Oleg co-operates with foreign performers such as Sheila Jordan,Chico Freeman,Louisiana Red,Dolores Scott,Milcho Leviev,Tony Lakatos,Rex Richardson,Richie Morales,Charis Ioannou,Ventzi Blagoev,Alex Mashin,Simone Helle,Sanni Orasmaa,Louisa Celentano etc.. He participates in various projects as guest musician as well as creates his own ones such as Thessaloniki Rhythm Section,Oleg Chaly Trio/Quartet/Quintet,Hammond Organ Trio,and the newest Blues project HIT THE ROAD! Apostolos Leventopoulos - guitars, electric bass Graduate of Berklee College of Music. He has performed with various jazz, funk and cover bands all over Greece, and also in festivals in USA, England, Singapoure, Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Macedonia. He has written music for several theatre and dance theatre plays, and has worked extensively as a session player both live and in the studio. ( www.leventopoulos.com ) we use one of these two drummers depending on the area of Greece we play Vaggelis Kotzabasis - drums He is in the last year of his studies in the Music Department of the University of Corfu. He studied drums in the conservatory of Piraeus with John Stavropoulos as a professor and in the Music Department University of Corfu with Alexandros Ktistakis. He has worked with: George Kontrafouris (Baby Trio), John Kassetas (Funk Wizards – New Orleans Band), Takis Barberis (Family Affair), Costis Christodoulou (Xtet), Apostolis Leventopoulos (Grand Stand), Sofia Noiti (Moonwalk Jazz Band). Records: Kontrafouris Baby Trio – A New Snack (2008) and The Main Course (2009), John Kassetas Funk Wizards – Funk Abyssus (2009), Arleta (2009). He has performed at the following festivals: Vinilius Jazz Festival (Lithuania 2008), Thessaloniki Jazz Festival (2008, 2009), Technopolis Jazz Festival (Athens 2009), Petra Festival (Athens 2009), and Preveza Jazz Festival (2009), Lefkada (2009), Zante (2009), Siros (2009). Nick Variamidis - drums He studied at Berklee College of Music. Performed in various cities in the US, from 2000-2004. Upon returning to Greece, he has become one of the busiest players in the jazz scene, working with most greek jazz musicians and a lot of visiting international artists.