Perceptions: Kanoa Kaluhiwa’s Afrilatin Jazz Ensemble
Le Chat Lunatique

A cross-cultural blend of jazz harmonies with Afro-Cuban rhythms and a taste of mbira and African drumming, Perceptions is led by Kanoa Kaluhiwa, one of Albuquerque’s finest saxophonists. The repertoire features originals by Kaluhiwa plus arrangements of other jazz not-so-standards. The ensemble features Kanoa Kaluhiwa on saxophone, mbira and percussion; César Bauvallet, trombone and congas; John Rangel, keyboards; Colin Deuble, electric and upright bass; Alyson Steinman, African drums and mbira; Heidi Alina, djembe; and Tomás White, drums and percussion.

Le Chat Lunatique plays a combination of Gypsy Swing, Western Swing and as they put it, “anything else we damn well please …Filthy, Mangy Jazz is our forte!” The project grew out of guitarist, John Sandlin and violinist, Muni Kulasinghe’s love for the great Hot Club of France, a gypsy swing group from 1940’s Paris, which included the combined genius of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. Bassist, Jared Putnam’s western swing background then fused itself into the mix as well. Finally, drummer Fernando Garavito’s (from Colombia) adds a latin aspect to the groove. Le Chat Lunatique’s new CD, Demonic Lovely, released in February 2008, was nominated for SEVEN New Mexico Music Awards. Le Chat was voted “Best Band Over-All” and “Best Jazz Act” in the Weekly Alibi’s 2008 Best of Burque issue AND “Best Local Band” and “Best Jazz Act” in the Local iQ’s 2008 Smart List. They have opened for Asleep at the Wheel, The Hot Club of San Francisco, and The Djangomatics. They recently composed and performed the music for a new play called Flamingo/Winnebago which was premiered in Philadelphia. In October 2007, John Sandlin organized the 2nd Annual New Mexico Django Fest which met with widespread acclaim.

FREE!