Zurich Jam Session 2-24 | 31 March 2024
Chipi Chacón (trumpet), Edgar Lopez (keyboard), Freddy Benitez (percussions)
Lineup:
Chipi Chacón
Trumpet
A Venezuelan trumpeter, singer-songwriter, arranger and producer, Chipi Chacón is currently listed as one of the young Latin American musicians with the most international outreach. Recognized by the greatest masters of the world of music for his versatility, and perfect handling of different musical styles such as Classical, Jazz and Latin music. Chipi’s education as a trumpeter started in Venezuela, within the musical teaching project "El Sistema" that placed him with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. There he performed for 15 years under the baton of maestro Gustavo Dudamel, which took him to performances in more than 50 countries, to the most important theaters and festivals in the world. Along his career he has collaborated with masters such as: Claudio Abbado, Simon Rattle, John Williams, Martha Argerich, Kzysztof Penderecki, Pacho Flores, Bob Mintzer, Arturo Sandoval, James Morrinson, Jimmy Haslip, Oscar de León, Cheo Feliciano, Lalo Rodriguez, Gilberto Santa Rosa, among others. For a decade Chipi Chacón has been part of the exclusive group “Schagerl Artist”, an Austrian brand of handmade instruments that sponsors the most relevant instrumentalists in the world. As the image of this prestigious brand, he holds exhibitions and Trumpet Master Class collaborating academically around the world.
Edgar López
Keyboards
We met the keyboarder and lead vocalist of the Lausanne-based band Nolosé at JazzAscona 2023, at their memorable concert featuring pianist Manon Mullener. Switzerland has offered this iconic "urban hot and spicy salsa" band its best venues: after Montreux Jazz Festival, Salsa National Bern, and Les Docks in Lausanne, it's a great pleasure to greet him in Zurich for a hot and spicy jam session!
Freddy Benitez
Percussions
Born in Cali (Colombia) and raised in Esmeraldas (Ecuador) and Tumbaco (Colombia), Freddy Benitez is a passionate rhythm artist. Inspired by his father, he is an enthusiastic timbales percussionist. From a young age, he began playing with improvised materials like furniture and his hands, as he lacked formal instruments. Without social media and tutorials, he learned music by recording and replicating songs from the radio, shaping his exceptional musical and rhythmic ear.
Today, Freddy shares his talent and passion through teaching at the Music School of the City of Zurich and various workshops. Concerts with fellow musicians and composing new rhythms fulfill his heart. With a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Instrumental Music and a Master of Arts in Music Education from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, he has received a solid musical education.
