Ruben Bondi

Given the significance of Afro-Latin rhythms in jazz’s development, there’s inherent value in a premier repertory ensemble like the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra collaborating with legendary Panamanian singer Rubén Blades. But the delight of this 2014 live performance is hearing the musicians stretch themselves beyond the safety of well-trodden Latin jazz territory. Along with reliably excellent performances of salsa tunes, Blades brings Rat Pack brashness to American standards like “Too Close for Comfort,” “Fever,” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” And in bassist Carlos Henriquez’s arrangements of Blades classics like “El Cantante,” the JALCO shifts between its always-convincing swing and bona fide clave, educating us in the rhythms’ historic connections along the way. After the full orchestra’s sheer sonic force, Blades’ “Patria” is an album highlight, with a scaled-down ensemble of percussionists, bass, and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis backing the singer in stark magnificence.[

Within the popular heavy rock genre known as “Stoner Rock", RUBEN ROMANO is a first round pioneer. He is the original drummer for bothstoner rock legends “FU MANCHU'' and “Nebula” while now fronting his own band appropriately named “The Freeks”.

Within the popular heavy rock genre known as “Stoner Rock", RUBEN ROMANO is a first round pioneer. He is the original drummer for bothstoner rock legends “FU MANCHU'' and “Nebula” while now fronting his own band appropriately named “The Freeks”.

Thirty years after the release of the legendary album 'The Juliet Letters' by Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet, Matangi and Ruben Hein present a 21st-century response to this masterful song cycle. Inspired by the collected Dutch letters from the book P.S. by Jet Steinz, Matangi and Ruben have created new songs that add a contemporary chapter to the world of multidisciplinary music experiences. The songs address themes of friendship, doubt, brotherly love, fear, and betrayal. They feature a contemporary, eclectic sound that blends elements of classical, jazz, and pop music. During the 2024/2025 season, they will tour across the Netherlands.

All music composed by Rubén Carlés, except “Coplas al Agua” by Juan Quintero.

Thirty years after the release of the legendary album 'The Juliet Letters' by Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet, Matangi and Ruben Hein present a 21st-century response to this masterful song cycle. Inspired by the collected Dutch letters from the book P.S. by Jet Steinz, Matangi and Ruben have created new songs that add a contemporary chapter to the world of multidisciplinary music experiences. The songs address themes of friendship, doubt, brotherly love, fear, and betrayal. They feature a contemporary, eclectic sound that blends elements of classical, jazz, and pop music. During the 2024/2025 season, they will tour across the Netherlands.