Godwin Louis -saxophones
Etienne Charles -trumpet & percussion
Simon Moullier -vibraphone (7/20)
Victor Dey Jr. -piano
Or Bareket -bass
Harvel Nakundi -drums
Godwin Louis, the accomplished saxophonist, composer, educator, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur is a trailblazer in the world of music and beyond. Born in Harlem, New York, raised in Bridgeport, CT and Port Au Prince, Haiti into a multicultural background rooted in Haitian heritage.
As an acclaimed alto saxophonist, Godwin has graced stages around the globe including: Mali, Senegal, Togo, France, Finland, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Venezuela, Brazil, South Korea, Indonesia and Australia.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, and the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute Of Jazz Performance, Godwin has studied and performed with Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Roger Dickerson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Billy Preston, Patti Labelle, Toni Braxton, Prince, Babyface, Madonna, Barry Harris, Howard Shore, Mulatu Astakte, Mahmoud Ahmed, Wynton Marsalis, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra just to name a few. As an educator, Godwin is a professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. As a humanitarian and ambassador, Godwin has traveled from Benin to China to help promote cross-cultural understanding and introduce thousands to America’ s indigenous art form, through public concerts, master classes, and jam sessions. Godwin is the founder of Experience Ayiti, a nonprofit educational, multidisciplinary arts organization. Godwin has cultivated a diverse musical palette, seamlessly blending jazz, gospel, classical, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and global sounds. His compositions serve as a testament to his creative depth, exploring the intersections of tradition and innovation. In addition, Godwin has performed as a sideman, guest soloist and has conducted clinics and master classes worldwide. As a composer and arranger, Godwin has received a Grammy nomination for his work on world-renowned vocalist Cecile McLorin’ s album titled Mélusine, the Jerome Foundation Emerging Artist Grant, and the Jazz Gallery's "New Works Commission". In 2021, The Godwin Louis Rooftop club opened in Lomé, Togo. Located at El Doria Hotel, The Godwin Louis Rooftop is dedicated to performances and educational programs that promote music education in Africa. Godwin’s debut album as a leader, entitled “Global”, was released in February 2019. Godwin’s upcoming album Psalms and Proverbs will be released in August of 2024 on the Blue Room Music Label.
This show will serve as a preview of Godwin Louis’ upcoming project.
SPONSORSHIP
The Jazz Gallery is a not-for-profit arts organization presenting emerging artists who challenge convention, take creative risks, and lead their field as performers, composers and thinkers. We provide a platform for artists to discover their unique voice and a home for established musicians to continue to experiment and grow. At The Jazz Gallery, artists and audiences come together from around the world to explore new creative ideas, collaborate and celebrate jazz as a dynamic art form that reflects our ever-changing world.
We rely on the generosity of our members and community to keep the music playing, thank you for your continued and much appreciated support! If you would like to sponsor a Livestream Concert, please use the links above or be in touch with our Executive Director, Janet Luhrs, here.