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By Vince Robinson
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra concluded its 39th season with Bonafide Genius, featuring international bassist, composer, and vocalist Richard Bona, on April 26, at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.
Born into a musical family in a village in Cameroon Central Africa, Richard Bona was surrounded by music from a young age. Recognized for his talent early on, he mastered various instruments, built his own, and taught himself music notation. After spending years honing his craft in Paris, Bona settled in New York where he resided. While his style drew comparisons to Jaco Pastorius, one of his influences, Bona’s sound was uniquely his own.
The Grammy Award-winning musician collaborated with musical legends like Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Sting, infusing jazz, world music, and Afropop into his performances.
“I didn’t want to play for bass players – I wanted to play for truck drivers! I wanted people to dance!” Bona once remarked, expressing his desire to reach diverse audiences.
The concert promised and gave an unforgettable evening of live music, transporting attendees far beyond Cleveland.
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has been Northeast Ohio’s premier jazz voice since 1985. Led by award-winning composer and trombonist Paul Ferguson, the CJO showcased jazz in its historical and contemporary forms, featuring a stellar lineup of jazz luminaries, arrangers, composers, and educators. Each CJO concert delivered “the best jazz you’ve ever heard and the best jazz you’ve never heard.” Through original music and innovative educational outreach, the CJO nurtured young musicians and enriched the region with unique cultural experiences.
Visit www.clevelandjazz.org for more information.
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