Athenas is a contemporary jazz ensemble from
South Florida whose musical styles are as varied as the members
themselves.
Jazz, Funk, Latin, Swing - take
your pick; Athenas can play it all -- Convincingly!
They are musicians who have sharpened their
'chops' by playing throughout the South Florida area with different groups
until they discovered each other seven years ago. The chemistry that
existed at that time is what keeps this group bonded as a solid unit.
Guitarist Jorge Garcia brings all the
richness of Latin rhythms from his birthplace of Cuba into the folds of
this ensemble. Garcia's intense passion for his instrument is immediately
visible and equally audible through his soulful original compositions.
Impeccable, melodic solos and supportive, rhythmic guitar work are
Garcia's trademarks and are always a joy to experience. As a matter of
fact, Garcia's sensitivity to his fellow musicians is uncharacteristic in
the land of the 'lead guitarist'.
Complex
chord structures and a knack for creating equally complex compositions are
two things that Kansas-born native Paul Banman is known for among his
fellow musicians. Paul is a favorite with vocalists because of his unusual
ability to merge his musical ideas and inspiration with those of the
vocalist who he happens to be accompanying. This is always truly a magical
moment both for attending musicians as well as for listeners; listeners
who are usually left dazzled. And as if that's not enough, Paul can also
swing with the best of them! Not that growing up so close to Kansas City
'had nothin' to do with that', but Paul has also fine-tuned his skills at
the world-renowned University of Miami School of Music.
Bassist Tony Smith was born on the tropical island of St.Thomas in the
Virgin Islands. Growing up in an environment bursting with rhythmic music
and a colorful culture is an experience that has given Tony a solid
foundation on which to develop a tremendously diverse vocabulary of
rhythmic styles. An early exposure to Calypso, Reggae, Soca, and R&B
can be considered a delicacy in the world of the contemporary rhythm
player.
Athenas as a group
exemplifies a very simple formula that time after time results in
outstanding accomplishments: excellent musicianship & tasteful
music. This simple combination is what Athenas uses to ensure that their
brand of music will continue to satisfy audiences well into the future.
Athenas
Jazz Art, Inc
490 NW 20th St #317
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Guitarist Jorge Garcia brings all the
richness of Latin rhythms from his birthplace of Cuba into the folds of
this ensemble. Garcia's intense passion for his instrument is immediately
visible and equally audible through his soulful original compositions.
Impeccable, melodic solos and supportive, rhythmic guitar work are
Garcia's trademarks and are always a joy to experience. As a matter of
fact, Garcia's sensitivity to his fellow musicians is uncharacteristic in
the land of the 'lead guitarist'.
