Richard Bona and the Asante Trio

Jazz Trio

Thursday Concert

December 14, 2023, 6:30-8:00 PM

Program

Program to be announced from stage.

Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona is an internationally lauded ambassador for global music and culture. A Grammy-winner who has worked with the likes of Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, and Pat Metheny, Bona possesses an unparalleled versatility across multiple musical styles. His knowledge of African musical traditions inflects much of his work, and his parallel interest in European musical history allows him to seamlessly blend disparate elements together—in his words to “combine everything with everything.”

Bona’s new group, Asante Trio, is testament to his philosophy of cultural collaboration. Joining Bona is pianist Jesus Popo, who pays tribute to the “piano Cubano” style and its vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythmic and melodic heritage. Percussionist Harvel Nakundi provides the groove and layered rhythmic complexity inherent to the many styles that influence the group’s sound. In their collective fusion of jazz, Afro-Cuban, and African styles, Asante Trio embodies the transatlantic musical affinities that trace their roots back to the African continent.

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition African Modernism in America, 1947-67.

This event will be broadcast live from the Music Room on Thursday, December 14 at 6:30 PM. To reserve a ticket, follow the link above to register. All registered ticket holders will receive a link directing them to a livestream webpage where the performance can be accessed. Ticket holders will be able to watch this performance “On Demand” for 48 hours following the broadcast time.

Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose, and the way he connects with his audience has turned him into a staple name in world, jazz and Afropop music.

He is currently producing and recording for Latin and Brazilian artists in the realm of pop, Brazilian songbook, Flamenco and Caribbean music.

Richard Bona has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along the diverse notable collaborations Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects.

He is highly involved in developing better music business practices and ethics. His Signature Series collaboration with Italian-based MARKBASS has positioned him as one of the most creative and best-selling bass amp and bass guitar tailor-made manufacturers in the world.

Constantly touring around the world and exploring new musical directions, Richard continues to redefine his sound, while still performing live. He’s currently working on new Afrobeats, Afropop, Latin and Flamenco projects throughout Europe, the US and Latin America.