Australian Jazz Real Book...
The quality of musicians writing jazz-related compositions in Australia is world class and should be played more, listened to more, developed, recognized and appreciated more. These are the thoughts of Tim Nikolsky, a Melbourne musician who is working towards publishing the first Australian Jazz Real Book (AJRB) comprising songs composed by the many talented jazz exponents in Australia including, to name a few, Paul Grabowsky, Don Burrows and James Morrison. There has been no formal Australian Jazz Real Book publication and this would provide the next generation of local jazz musicians an invaluable resource giving them the opportunity to play uniquely Australian compositions, to re-interpret and re-imagine them just like they would with any of the American Real Book tunes. GMP fully supports this initiative and is delighted to have included in the AJRB inaugural edition three works by well know Melbourne pianist, arranger and composer Gianni Turcio, and a composition by popular jazz pianist Joe Ruberto.


Musica Brasileira...
Eight piece band Guarana, formed in 2001, are the leading proponents of bossa and samba in the Philippines and as such are always very much in demand at leading beach resorts, bars, restaurants and hotels. They also continue to perform their twice weekly gig at Café Havana in Greenbelt 3 Makati, Metro Manila and also at jazz and arts festivals and for important corporate events. Their dedication to the bossa and samba style has seen them featured in the Brazilian television program "Fantastico Ao Mundo" televised in prime time on Brasil’s Globo TV network. Bandleader is vocalist Eileen Sison (pictured) whose passion for the South American rhythm has earned her an award by none other than the Brazilian Embassy for her “invaluable cooperation in the promotion of Brazilian music in the Philippines”. Eileen makes regular trips to Rio de Janeiro not only to attend the famous Carnival but more so to further her learning of Brazilian music and culture. She can speak, sing and write songs in Brazilian Portuguese and is the Founder and Dance Director of Escola de Samba de Manila, a samba school composed of drummers and dancers headquartered at Steps Dance Studio in Makati. Eileen is also the founder of the Bossa Nova Club of the Philippines and hosts a radio segment called “Understanding Bossa Nova” on Crossover 105.1 FM. Guarana’s new CD titled Spirit of Samba, featuring all original songs, was released in early 2010 to rave reviews at a special function at Café Havana and also includes a song by Nello Giansiracusa, a writer with strong ties with both the Philippines and Brazil.



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