Open Hands jazz band will perform in Christ Chapel on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. The instrumental group is Los Angeles-based and consists of four prominent musicians that feature native South American rhythms, American jazz, and rhythm and blues.
Katlyn Kraayenbrink, an alto saxophonist in the Northwestern jazz band, is quite enthused about this group.
“I’ve heard they are really top-notch recording artists, so I’m excited to see them,” Kraayenbrink said.
The band’s saxophonist, Justo Almario, began performing on TV at age 14. He studied at Berklee School of Music and has since mastered the soprano and tenor saxophones, clarinet and flute.
Almario offers his own style through fused Latin, Afro-Cuban, South American, Funk and Jazz genres. Performing on the Oscar-winning film “Sideways” and featured on Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” Almario has an extensive record of credits.
Described by Guitar Player Magazine as “the most widely used session bassist of our time,” Abraham Laboriel has played in more than 4,000 recordings and soundtracks and now performs with Open Hands. Laboriel has worked with popular artists such as Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Michael Jackson and many more.
Bill Maxwell entered a music preschool at 2 years old and began professional drum playing at 12. Maxwell has recorded with Ray Charles and Billy Preston and was the featured musician on the film “Walk the Line.” In October 2008 Maxwell was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Greg Mathieson began piano lessons at age 10 and started trumpet lessons at 14. He played on two of the hit singles from the sound track of “Grease,” featuring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.
Matheison has performed with Donna Summer, Tina Turner and Barbara Streisand and worked with recent artists such as Christina Aguilera, Faith Hill and Randy Travis. Mathieson is now the pianist of Open Hands.
Advance tickets are available for all, $8 for adults and $6 for students. At the door, tickets will be $10 and $8. Tickets are available at the NW music department.