BLACKWELL 360 ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Coast to Coast
JaJa evolved from an idea Kwasi had when he wanted to lay down more eclectic arrangements to Reggae, Blues and Latin Jazz.
The members of JaJa are: Kwasi (Congas, Bongoes, Timbales, principal songwriter, and arranger); "Big Bill" Williams (Music Director, Flute, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Sax); Laurent "LB" Bass (Harmonica, Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Sax); Harry Rosario (Bass); Jeff Johnson (Drums); Isaac Castro (Piano).
On stage the personalities are juiced and alive, whether its LB blowing fire riding the rhthym of his sax, Isaac burning up the keys of his piano, Harry giving life new meaning through his bass, Jeff's magnetic grooves, or Big Bill cracking jokes during his gusty playing. " And Big Bill's playing can make your hair stand on end" says Kwasi.
"The components of our music naturally stimulate your emotions and other senses," says Kwasi. "It can excite, relax and even make you create vivid images in your mind."This gift to stimulate has earned these players critical acclaim and recognition from performances at The Kimmel Center, World Cafe Live, The Mellon Jazz Festival, The Painted Bride Art Center, The Bethlehem (PA) Music Festival, and The SoHo Music Festival in Connecticut (Headlining under the name of Mozambique). Their music and interviews have been heard worldwide.
"Jaja Matsimela is a hot mix of blues, soul, jazz, and reggae. This Philadelphia based group is on the move with the new CD 'Blues Sauce'. Great musicians whose stage performance will keep you riveted. A melting pot of music called World Jazz."
Richard F. Blackwell