Roy Hargrove
Since his own emergence in the late ’80s, Roy Hargrove has proved to be an adventurous and wide-ranging artist, proudly immersed in the jazz tradition and yet continually striking out for new terrain. Among his groups include the straight-ahead, hard-bop Roy Hargrove Quintet and Crisol, an Afro-Cuban ensemble that won a Grammy in 1998 for Best Latin Jazz Performance with its album Habana. With the funk-oriented RH Factor, Hargrove released the 2003 album Hard Groove, featuring guest appearances by R&B superstars Erykah Badu, Common and D’Angelo. His last album, 2008’s quintet session Earfood (Groovin’ High/Emercy), was featured in dozens of year-end Top 10 lists.
Roberta Gambarini
Celebrated throughout the world by fans, critics and many of the world’s greatest musicians, Roberta Gambarini became a fast-rising star – and a GRAMMY Nominee - with the 2006 release of her debut album, ‘Easy to Love.’ A smashing success on all fronts, Roberta’s debut secured her spot on the international touring circuit, where she continuously graces the most prestigious venues and festivals. In 2008, she made her major label debut with ‘You Are There,’ a superb duet with the legendary pianist Hank Jones. Mr. Jones – who accompanied most of the celebrated vocalists of the 2oth century such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat “King” Cole, and Billy Eckstine – declared Ms. Gambarini as the best singer to emerge in over 60 years.
The Boston Globe named Roberta as the “true successor to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae.” Roberta’s new album, ‘So In Love,’ out on August 25, 2009, is a stunning affirmation of her status as one of the most important vocal artists performing today.
