2007 India Press Releases

Jazz Concert in Mumbai

August 31, 2007

Mumbai – Well-known American group “Rhythm Road Jazz All Stars” with Alvin Atkinson, Jr., on drums; Charlie Porter on trumpet; Ari Roland, on bass; and Eli Yamin, on piano, will present a jazz concert on Monday, September 3, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in Mumbai under the auspices of The American Center, Mumbai and Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha.

Alvin Atkinson, Jr. (drums) who currently teaches Jazz Language and Rhythm Studies at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Middle School Jazz Academy, serves on the audition committee and sophomore jury committee at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. He has played alongside artists such as Houston Person, James Carter, Cecil Bridgewater, Reggie Workman, Miguel Zenon, Maceo Parker, Luis Perdomo, Steve Turre, Vanessa Rubin, and Wycliffe Gordon.

Charlie Porter (trumpet) who is currently on a scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music in pursuit of a Master's Degree in Jazz Performance, performs regularly with various groups in New York City.  He has performed and recorded with such notable musicians as Paquito D'Rivera, David Taylor, and Kenny Drew, to name a few.  Among the many awards to his credit, Porter was the first musician ever to be awarded first prize in the National Trumpet Competition in both the jazz and classical divisions.

Ari Roland (double bass) grew up inside the New York underground bop scene, where performing jazz music is always challenging.  Roland began attending sessions with Barry Harris at age 12 and was quickly known as a standout player.  He made his way into an inner circle of musicians, regularly playing in the company of saxophonist "C" Sharpe, Frank Hewitt, Jimmy Robinson, Lou Donaldson, Junior Cook, Vernel Fournier, and others.

Eli Yamin (piano) is a jazz pianist, songwriter and composer for film and stage, as well as creator/leader of various ensembles.  A Steinway artist, he has toured internationally, recorded numerous CD’s and seen his award winning compositions performed at Carnegie Hall, on PBS television and in countless schools.  Yamin is the co-founder and Artistic Director of The Jazz Drama Program, a non-profit organization that uses the language of jazz to tell stories relevant to children’s lives.  From an early age, Yamin built close associations with jazz masters Walter Perkins, Illinois Jacquet, Barry Harris, Perry Robinson, and Mercedes Ellington.  He has also worked extensively with Wynton Marsalis, Bob Stewart, and David Sanchez, among others.