The New York Bojaira Project

The fusion between Jazz and Flamenco is undoubtedly one of the most exciting artistic expressions currently emerging from Europe. The result, in the case of the New York Bojaira Project, is an original and engaging fusion, blending jazz improvisation with the excitement of flamenco, rhythms, dance and singing to create a powerful combination of energy and subtlety on stage, taking audiences on a fascinating multi-cultural excursion.

Andalusian pianist Jesús Hernández’s creation of The New York Bojaira Project stems from his deep understanding  of flamenco combined with his own personal and natural musical language. Drawing from flamenco and jazz as well as his experiences in Classical, Caribbean and Brazilian music he joins Spanish artists such as the avant-garde Flamenco singer Enrique Morente, and saxophone-flute player Jorge Pardo in pioneering this nascent musical style.

Alfonso Cid (flamenco singer and flutist), Tim Ferguson (double bass) and Mark Holen (drums), all based in New York for many years, are the multi-talented and experienced musicians who make up the quartet. They have toured extensively in the USA, Europe and South America performing with a wide variety of world renowned musicians. In addition to this core quartet the group is often augmented with flamenco dancer’s who have included: Auxi Fernández and Maria De Los Angeles and horn players such as Joel Frahm, Jorje Pardo and Peter Brainin.

The repertoire of The New York Bojaira Project has its roots in traditional Flamenco: seguiriyas, granaínas, alegrías, bulerías, or tientos, the palos (or flamenco styles) that create the rhythmic foundation. Building on this rhythmic base, the band adds the harmonic elements of jazz, allowing the musicians to open improvisational doors, delighting audiences with fresh musical landscapes. In addition to original compositions by Hernández and the band, the group draws on a varied repertoire, including jazz standards such as Laura and Thelonious Monk’s ‘Round Midnight, or the sensual and powerful soleá interpretation of one of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations, which becomes an instant Flamenco-Jazz classic.

Since their first US tour in December of 2013 the New York Bojaira Project has performed in numerous important venues in and around New York City such as: The New York Flamenco Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, Drom and The Deer Head Inn. During that and subsequent tours in Europe and North America, the musicians have developed a deep mutual respect and artistic camaraderie which has continued to grow throughout their work together creating a true cultural exchange which translates to unparalleled musical excitement in performance.