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Trombonist Papo Vázquez was born in Philadelphia and by the age of 22 had traveled the globe. In his 40-year career he has played with Slide Hampton, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Mel Lewis, Hilton Ruiz and toured Europe with the Ray Charles Orchestra.

Vázquez has always been deeply moved by jazz, and specifically cites the music of John Coltrane and J.J. Johnson as having most influenced him. His appreciation and knowledge of the indigenous music of the Caribbean provides him with a unique ability to fuse Afro-Caribbean rhythms, specifically those from Puerto Rico, with freer melodic and harmonic elements of progressive jazz.

PNC Arts Alive “Jazz Cultural Voices,” a series of 12 concerts and educational activities presented by the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts during the 2018-2019 season. A year-long, once a month for twelve months, on the third Saturday – Open House style of events utilizing PCC’s 200 seat concert hall, and use of multiple music studios. The new initiative was created with the intent to expose audiences to unique and surprising connections between many musical genre-crossing. Jazz Cultural Voices is designed for patrons to experience different cultures through music and educational activities.

“Jazz Cultural Voices Finale” Featured Musicians:

Sumi Tonooka
Papo Vazquez
Bobby Zankel
Monnette Sudler
Joseph Block/Dylan Band/Philadelphia Clef Club Community Big Band
Alfie Pollitt/George Bussey