Jazz is an universal musical language which has been mixed with different rhythms, styles and cultures, and in its gospel variant also has experienced this. Today I will write about an interesting latin jazz band, originally from Palenque, Chiapas in Mexico: Gozo & Paz.
The beginnings of Gozo & Paz Latinjazz Band date back to 1999, when three friends, guitarist Eduardo "Lalo" Olivares, saxophonist Silvino González and keyboardist Sergio David Aguilar every saturday arranged and played traditional christian songs in latin jazz styles. After a time, the musicians are invited to play in Mundo Maya, a festival performed every year by Municipality of Palenque as a tourist-oriented activity. In that occasion, Eduardo, Silvino and Sergio played with some guest musicians. After this festival, and for various reasons and motivations, were joining the group other excelent musicians: drummer Carlos "Pollito" Aguilar, bassist Saraín Aguilar and keyboardist Ludwig Zarate. The last musicians who became part of the group are percussionist Francisco Tovilla, vibraphonist Luis Augusto Rojas and guitarist José Hinojosa.
Gozo & Paz is a relatively new group with a style still not very defined, musicians play songs of different musician and jazz/fusion genres; however in some original compositions of the group, it's possible listen unique elements originating mainly from the mix of traditional gospel songs, latin music, fusion and even smooth jazz elements. I think this is possible due to different influences of members of the group. Apart of different concert in various mexican cities and appearances on TV and radio, Gozo & Paz has recorded two gospel jazz projects: Gozo & Paz (2004) and Latinjazzeando (2008), and now musicians are working in a third studio album, Sentimiento Cubano, in which cuban pianist David Gálvez will play as guest artist.
Official website of Gozo & Paz: http://www.myspace.com/gozoypazlatinjazz
