BACKSTREET RECORDS PRESENTS:
“The Wayne Wilentz Trio....E Nossos Amigos”.
The music is a blend of Brazilian popular music and American Jazz, and features the trio (Wayne on piano, David Jernigan on bass and Jim West on drums) plus guest artists trumpeter Claudio Roditi, vocalist Pam Bricker, saxophonist Marshall Keys and percussionist Roberto Berimbãu. Besides originals by David and Wayne, composers featured on the CD are A.C. Jobim, João Bosco, Toquinho and Vinicius, Chico Buarque and Milton Nascimento. The CD is currently receiving airplay locally on WPFW 89.3 FM, and in Connecticut, New York, San Fransisco and Denver. The trio performs every Tuesday night at the Cafe Lautrec in Adams Morgan, and every Thursday at U-topia on U ST. REVIEWS OF THE TRIO: “..a tight, authentic Brazilian trio...” On The One Magazine "All in all, it's a charming album, marked by a series of appealing collaborations."(Mike Joyce) “..a long and strong draw....and rightfully so.”(Eve Zibart) The Washington Post “I like it (the CD) very much!” Mauricio Einhorn (world-famous Brazilian composer). “Wilentz has good command of the structures...exhibits great taste in material and heads off on interesting linear routes.” “West...on a few occasions has such a complex rhythm rolling on his own, I had to check to see whether or not a guest had sat in with him”. Bossa Magazine (reviewed by Fred Bouchard).
We are listed in the June
1999 issue of Washingtonian Magazine as one of the bands to see in the
article "Where to Hear Great Jazz in Washington" by Martin
Schramm!!
Wayne has performed with such famous R&B acts as Carl Gardner's Coasters, The Shirelles, The Marvellettes, and Jimmy Norman. He was a keyboardist and composer for the '80's funk band "SKYY", and possesses a gold record commemorating their #1 Album "Skyy Line" on Salsoul Records. Born in New York City, Wayne moved to Washington in 1989, and has played Brazilian Jazz in the nation's capitol since then. Wayne has a B.S. in Speech from Northwestern University, and produced the nightly jazz program on the school's radio station, WNUR.
David is one of the most "in demand" bassists in Washington. He has performed with Dick Morgan, and won the Hennessy Jazz Competition performing with the Bill Harris Trio. He also currently performs with Rio born singer Alaor Macedo.
Born in Alexandria, Jim has played professionally in the Washington area for over 20 years. He studied at Berklee School of music in Boston, and is also one of the finest swing drummers on the east coast.
Roberto was born in Sao Paolo, and lived for many years in New York City, perfroming with Pei De Boi and other Samba Schools. He is also an accomplished drummer and bassist, and can be seen most nights sitting in with the trio.
Claudio is widely considered amongst the greatest trumpet players of our era. Born in Rio De Janeiro, he has performed internationally and has recorded with such household names as Paquito D'Rivera.
Pam is one of the most versatile singers in the world. Her mastery of modern jazz complements a thorough knowledge of Pop, Caberet, and ethnic musics. She sings in 4 languages, and has recorded with "Mad Romance", a D.C. based vocal quartet, and most recently with the great pianist/songwriter Dave Frishberg.
Marshall's soaring alto saxophone has been a staple in Washington for
years. He has recorded with Jack McDuff, and leads his own highly acclaimed
band in town.