Richard Bona and the Asante Trio
Jazz Trio
Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose, and the way he connects with his audience has turned him into a staple name in world, jazz and Afropop music.
He is currently producing and recording for Latin and Brazilian artists in the realm of pop, Brazilian songbook, Flamenco and Caribbean music.
Richard Bona has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along the diverse notable collaborations Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects.
He is highly involved in developing better music business practices and ethics. His Signature Series collaboration with Italian-based MARKBASS has positioned him as one of the most creative and best-selling bass amp and bass guitar tailor-made manufacturers in the world.
Constantly touring around the world and exploring new musical directions, Richard continues to redefine his sound, while still performing live. He’s currently working on new Afrobeats, Afropop, Latin and Flamenco projects throughout Europe, the US and Latin America.
RECOGNITIONS:
- Golden Melody Award for Best Instrumental Recording Album – Sedar (China – 2017)
- The Bonafied album certified Gold (Poland – 2013)
- The SACEM Jazz Grand Prize (Grand Prix Jazz SACEM) (2012)
- Honoree of the Antonio Carlos Jobim Award, Montreal International Jazz Festival (2010)
- Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album – Tiki (2006)
- Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance – As It Is (2002)
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album – Speaking Of Now (2002)
Harvel Nakundi was born in Miami. He was introduced to the drums at the age of 3 through local churches in Southern Florida. Since then, Harvel has been able to study, perform, record and tour with world renowned artists including but not limited to: Jennifer Lopez, Emeline Michel, Nicole Henry, Savion Glover, Kirk Whalum, Myron Butler, Lewis Nash, Terence Blanchard, Frankie J, James Moody. Harvel has performed at some of the top venues and festivals worldwide including: Russia, Haiti, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Martinique, and Australia. In addition, Harvel is a faculty member of the illustrious Frost school of music (UM). In demands nationally and internationally Harvel is co-founder of the band Smoogies, recording their debut album with the trumpeter Nicholas Payton. Harvel teaches K-12 at schools statewide, assisting in instructional college music courses around the world and has been devoted to help bringing awareness to the arts in the Caribbean.
Pianist and composer. Musical director Born in Havana. Graduated from the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory, Cuba, receiving outstanding classes from teachers such as Violeta Hemsy de Gainza, Jorge Luis Prats, Andrés Allen and Arturo O Farrill. His musical productions range from symphonic formats, jazz bands, chamber formats, jazz trios, solo piano and a wide spectrum of avant-garde electronic music. Due to their cinematographic projection, their works have been synchronized in multiple documentaries and premiered with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Washington Kennedy Center. He has worked with artists such as Danay Suárez, Romeo Santos, Gente de Zona, Carlos Varela, the Rhythm Portal Miami Project and at Premios lo Nuestro. His Album ''Nevando en la Habana'' is a journey of experiences and impressions that connect the Divine and the natural.
