A fusion of ancestral tribal music and Saharan Blues, Daraa Tribes comes from the oasis town of Tagounite in the Daraa River Valley of Morocco, with each member originating from a different tribe, bringing with them diverse music traditions to create an eclectic style only to be found in the oases of the North African Sahara. Releasing the album Igharman in 2018, and EPs Alwan (2017) and Zamane (2019), they has toured internationally across Europe, Africa, Russia, and Canada. The band is a Visa For Music laureate (2017), and has been featured on Radio France International and major Moroccan news outlets. Daraa Tribes’ second studio album is expected to come out in the fall of 2021.
Frescia Belmar is a young innate talent. Her creativity, intuition, musicality and virtuosic playing secured her place as one of the most acclaimed musicians on the scene today.
Outstanding for her unique sound: tight groove, sophisticated articulation, melodic and chordal playing, refined harmonies and solos, Frescia moves effortlessly across all musical genres. Her playing has been featured on several tours, recordings and television appearances.
Career highlights include performances and recordings with: Anita Tijoux, Mike Stern, Herbie Hancock, Janelle Monáe, Cartoon Network and countless others.
Nowadays, Frescia is based in Los Angeles, California. Working on what it will be her first solo album.
She’ll tour on March 2024 with George Whitty at the keyboards and Joel Taylor at the drums and on November 2024 with Bobby Sparks at the keyboards and Dennis Chambers at the drums.
Frescia Belmar is a young innate talent. Her creativity, intuition, musicalityand virtuosic playing secured her place as one of the most acclaimed musicians on the scene today.
Outstanding for her unique sound: tight groove, sophisticated articulation, melodic and chordal playing, refined harmonies and solos, Frescia moves effortlessly across all musical genres. Her playing has been featured on several tours, recordings and television appearances.
Frescia Belmar’s career highlights include performances and recordings with: Anita Tijoux, Mike Stern, Herbie Hancock, Janelle Monáe, Raye, Karol G, T-Mobile, Cartoon Network and countless others.
Nowadays, Frescia Belmar is based in Los Angeles, California. Working on what it will be her first solo album.
BOBBY SPARKS
Bobby Sparks, 9-time Grammy Award Winning Musician and Producer, has recorded and/or toured the world with diverse musical giants such as Kirk Franklin, Snarky Puppy, St. Vincent, Ray Charles, Les McCann, Roy Hargrove, Natalie Cole and Nancy Wilson, Lalah Hathaway, Marcus Miller, Dianne Reeves, George Benson, Nelly Furtado, Ashley Cleveland, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, the late George Duke and Prince to name a few- is an analog purist, innovator and inspiration to many musicians.
He has taken part in numerous music award shows and even played at The White House. As he continues to accomplish his goals through his music, he is now producing artists at his new recording studio in Mesquite, TX. Sparks’ diverse talent includes a wide mix of blues, jazz, and gospel music. His other projects include the release of the feature film, The Gospel, for which he was the soundtrack co-producer. Bobby, the producer of Kirk Franklin’s Why We Sing album, is also featured on CDs by Yolanda Adams and Roy Hargrove. Sparks says to other aspiring artists, “Never give up on the dream, and have something to back it up with.”
Mr. Sparks uses the Sledge 2.0 Black Edition, Numa Organ2 and the SL88 Controller both in the studio and live.
DENNIS CHAMBERS
Dennis Chambers (born May 9, 1959) is an American drummer who has recorded and performed with John Scofield, George Duke,Brecker Brothers, Santana, Parliament/Funkadelic, John McLaughlin, Niacin, Mike Stern, CAB, Greg Howe, and many others. Despite a lack of formal training, Chambers has become well known among drummers for his technique and speed.[citation needed]Chambers is particularly regarded for his ability to play “in the pocket” but can also stretch very far out of the pocket which is also a hallmark of his technique.[citation needed] Chambers exhibits a powerful style that is technically proficient, yet highly musical and groove-oriented.[citation needed] He can play in a wide variety of musical genres, but is perhaps most notable for his jazz-fusion, funk, and Latin music playing. He is mostly known for his fast hands and triplets on the bass drum. He has helped many young drummers, the most prominent being Tony Royster, Jr.
In 2007, just before Led Zeppelin were scheduled to play at the O2 Arena in London, John Bonham’s son Jason was asked in an interview that if he himself were to pass up the opportunity, which drummer would he recommend to fill the coveted drum throne. His reply was ‘If I were to choose, I would probably want a jazz drummer with a strong swing feel. You know what – Dennis Chambers. I think he would “get it”, whereas other rock drummers wouldn’t.’
In an interview by Bonedo in 2011 Dennis Chambers was asked who some of his influences and favorite drummers were and he mentioned Clyde Stubblefield, Al Jackson Jr.,Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gary Husband, Jack Dejohnette, Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, and Tony Williams.
He performed on the critically acclaimed Maceo Parker live album “Roots and Grooves” album with long time friend Rodney “Skeet” Curtis (bass) and the WDR Big Band. He has toured extensively with Carlos Santana and makes appearances with his band Niacin.
He plays and endorses Pearl drums, pedals, hardware & racks, Zildjian cymbals, Zildjian drumsticks & general accessories and Evans drumheads.
Chambers began drumming at the age of four years, and was gigging in Baltimore-area nightclubs by the age of six. He was recruited in 1981 by the Sugar Hill Label to be their “house drummer.” Dennis plays on many Sugar Hill releases . In 1978 (at 18 years old) he joined Parliament/Funkadelic, and stayed with them until 1985. In 1986 he joined the John Scofield band. Since then he has played with most of the major figures in jazz fusion music.
On August 26, 2011 Chambers appeared as a featured drummer on the Late Show with David Letterman’s Drum Solo Week II, alongside other such notable players as Tony Royster, Jr., Gavin Harrison, Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland.
Oz Noy | Guitar
Jimmy Haslip | Bass
Anton Fig | Drums
OZ NOY
“It’s Jazz. It just doesn’t sound like it.”
This is how virtuoso guitarist Oz Noy describes his intoxicating blend of jazz, funk, rock, blues, and r&b.
Born in Israel, Oz Noy started his professional career at the age of 13 playing jazz, blues, pop and rock music. By age 16, he was playing with top Israeli musicians and artists. By age 24, he was one of the most established studio guitar players in the country. Oz was also a member of the house band on Israel’s top-rated television show for more than two years.
Since his 1996 arrival in New York, Oz has made a huge impact on the local and international music scene. His unique and intoxicating style has broken all the rules of instrumental guitar music by focusing on the groove. All-stars such as Keith Carlock, Anton Fig, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dave Weckl often contribute on drums, with bassists Will Lee, James Genus, and Reggie Washington.
In 2003, Oz Noy released his debut record – “Oz Live” – recorded at NYC’s legendary Bitter End.
In 2004, Oz Noy signed with Magna Carta Records and in 2005, released his highly-acclaimed studio record “HA!” with his all-star band featuring Fig, Carlock, Lee and Genus plus special guests Mike Stern and George Whitty.
In April of 2007, a licensing deal with Magna Carta and Japanese label Videoarts opened the door for Oz Noy’s music in Japan. Later that year saw the release of “Fuzzy,” Oz’s third record under the Magna Carta label. For Fuzzy, Oz’s all-star band is joined by various special guests including Colaiuta, bassist Jimmy Johnson, and keyboardists Whitty and Jim Beard.
September, 2009, saw the release of Oz’s fourth album, “Schizophrenic,” featuring Lee, Fig, Carlock, Weckl, Ricky Peterson, Chris Palmero, and special guest Steve Lukather.
In November of 2011, Oz Noy released his fifth studio album “Twisted Blues Vol. 1” Featuring Vinnie Colaiuta, Anton Fig, Chris Layton, Will Lee, Roscoe Beck , John Medeski, Jerry Z, Reese Wynans, Ralph Macdonald and special guests Eric Johnson & Allen Toussaint.
In late 2012, Oz released his two highly acclaimed instructional DVDs,”Guitar Improvisational Workout” and “Play Along Workout”, released by jazzheaven.com .
May of 2014 saw the release of Oz’s 6th studio album “Twisted Blues Vol. 2” featuring special collaborations with: Chick Corea, Allen Toussaint, Eric Johnson, Warren Haynes, Gregoire Maret, Greg Leisz, Dave Weckl, and John Medeski. The album featured the help of a stellar backup band featuring Keith Carlock, Anton Fig, Chris Layton, Will Lee, Roscoe Beck, Jerry Z and Reese Wynans.
In March, 2015, Oz Noy released his 7th album “Asian Twistz” featuring Dave Weckl & Etienne Mbappe. The live album was recorded during a tour in Asia during the summer of 2014.
oz-noy-img5April 2016 Oz Noy Release his 8th studio album “Who Gives A Funk” Featuring very special guests Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford, Dweezil Zappa, Fred Weasley, Chris Potter, John Medeski & Corey Glover.
Sept 2017 showed the debut release of “Ozone Squeeze” , Oz’s new band featuring Atlantha Drummer Darren Stanley & Australian Keyboardist, vocalist Rai Thistlethwayte.
March 2019 Oz Noy Release his 9th solo Album “Booga Looga Loo” Featuring Drummers-Steve Ferrone, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl, Bassists-Will Lee, John Patitucci and James Genus, Keyboardists- Jerry Z and Brian Charette with special guests- Anne Drummond, Kevin Hays and Seamus Blake.
For his accomplishments as a trend-setting guitarist, Oz won the highly acclaimed Guitar Player magazine readers poll for “Best guitar riff on a record” (2007), “Best new talent” (2008), and “Best out there guitar player” (2013).
Oz’s success both as an artist and an instrumentalist has built demand for him as an instructor. In 2011, he released two Instructional videos for Jazz Heaven, entitled “Guitar Improvisational Workout” and “Play Along Workout.” since 2015, Oz Noy released three instructional videos for My Music Master Class (MMMC) entitled “Unlocking The Neck” , “Blues, Bends and Beyond” and “Effects On The Gig”. He also released four videos for True Fire, entitled “Improv Wizard”, “Essentials Funk Rhythm Guitar”, “Twisted Guitar-Blues Soloing” and “Twisted Guitar- Blues Rhythm”.
Oz also conducts periodic master classes at The Collective School of Music (New York City), Musicians Institute (Los Angeles), and others.
Oz Noy has performed, toured and recorded with Richard Bona, Chris Botti, Gavin DeGraw, Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper, Clay Aiken, Akiko Yano, Wonder Girls, Toni Braxton, Phoebe Snow, Nile Rogers, Mike Clark, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Dave Weckl, Mike Manieri, John Patitucci, The East Village Opera Company, Roger Glover, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, The Gil Evan Orchestra,Warren Hayes, Gove’t Mule, The Allman Brothers, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Allen Toussaint, Eric Johnson, Mike Stern, John Abercrombie, Wallace Roney, Steve Lukather, John Medeski, Chris Potter, Fred Wesley, Tom Scott, Don Was, Nelly Furtado, Natasha Bedingfield, Phillip Phillips, Andy Grammer, Angelique Kidjo, Matisyahu, Jennifer Hudson, Henry Butler, Gart Hudson, Don Henley, Patti Austin, Take 6, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Phil Ramone, Paul Shaffer, Dweezil Zappa, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Sting, Steve Perry, Allison Krauss Foreigner, Patty Smith, Wiz Khalifa, Shelea, Jordin Sparks, Average White Band, Christopher Cross, TYP, Betty Buckley, Idina Menzel, Luke Nelson, Justin Timberlake, Bonnie Raitt, Lizzo, Dave Matthews, Cat Stevens, Scary Pockets among others
JIMMY HASLIP
Jimmy Haslip is an American bass guitarist who was a founding member of the jazz fusion group the Yellowjackets, which he left in 2012. He was also an early user of the five-string electric bass.
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican immigrants, Spanish was Haslip’s first language and he learned to speak English in kindergarten.
Haslip moved to Huntington, New York when he was four years old. At age seven, he began playing drums and then moved onto other instruments such as trumpet and tuba until playing bass at age 15. Although he took music lessons and went to a private music school, he considers himself self-taught. He has said that he went to a local music shop with his father and purchased a right-handed bass (he is left-handed) and learned to play it upside down (without restringing).
In an interview with magazine JazzTimes, Haslip said he was surrounded by music as a young boy, from visiting nightclubs and concert venues to his peers. He explains that there was music in his house as well, from his older brother Gabriel listening to classic jazz, his father listening to Latin and orchestra jazz and his aunt listening to “sappy stuff like Jerry Vale and Johnny Mathis”. In high school, Haslip created his first band called Soul Mine with his high school classmates, playing soul music at school dances and parties.
In the early 1970s Haslip played with New York glam band Street Punk, he toured alongside musicians, and moved to Los Angeles in 1976, where he played with guitarists Tommy Bolin and Harvey Mandel. in addition to the Yellowjackets, he has worked with Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Bruce Hornsby, Rita Coolidge, Gino Vannelli, Kiss, Tommy Bolin, Allan Holdsworth, Marilyn Scott, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Donald Fagen, and Anita Baker.
Haslip has released two solo albums: Arc, and Red Heat, with Joe Vannelli, in 2000. He was active with the Yellowjackets between 1977 and 2012. He was part of a combo with Allan Holdsworth, Alan Pasqua, and Chad Wackerman. Other collaborations include Jing Chi (with Robben Ford and Vinnie Colaiuta) and Modereko. Haslip was a member of the rock group Blackjack from 1979–1980 with Bruce Kulick, Sandy Gennaro, and Michael Bolton. He also toured with guitarist Allan Holdsworth and drummer Virgil Donati.
In 2012, Haslip took a year-long hiatus from Yellowjackets, which later turned permanent. Haslip wanted to devote more time to his family and other musical projects. He was replaced in Yellowjackets by Felix Pastorius, the son of Jaco Pastorius. Regarding this topic, he stated: “The primary reason for my hiatus is so that I can spend more quality time with my family”, says Haslip. “I spent ten months on the road last year. The break will give me an opportunity to spend more time at home as well as work on other artistic endeavors, such as independently producing projects”. Haslip adds, “This was not a rash decision and there is no animosity by any means. Everybody is still friends and I’m excited for the band and their upcoming plans with Felix”.
ANTON FIG
Anton Fig, known as “The Thunder from Down Under”, is a South African session drummer, perhaps best known as the drummer and second-in-command for Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band. David Letterman, for whom the band served as house band on his late-night talk shows, often referred to Fig as “Anton Zip” or “Buddy Rich Jr.” Fig is also well known for his work with Kiss, Ace Frehley and Joe Bonamassa.
Early career
Fig began playing drums at the age of four. After performing in numerous successful local rock bands in Cape Town, becoming locally respected with bands like Hammak, he moved to Boston to further pursue his musical interests. His formal education included studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied jazz and classical disciplines, and graduated with honors in 1975. In 1976, he moved to New York City, where he began to establish a career as a freelance musician.
Fig was a member of the band Spider during both their album releases in 1980 and 1981 as well as on their 1982 album as newly renamed band Shanghai, together with famed producer Beau Hill and songwriter Holly Knight.
Fig was the drummer on Ace Frehley’s 1978 eponymous solo album and subsequently became a member of the then ex-Kiss lead guitarist’s solo project Frehley’s Comet from 1984 to 1987. Fig also played drums on all but one song on Kiss’s 1979 album Dynasty and every song on their 1980 album Unmasked; the use of Fig to replace usual drummer Peter Criss (producers thought Criss, who had a drug problem, had seen a deterioration of his skills) upset Criss, to the point where, after appearing in promotional videos and tours through Unmasked, he left the band. Eric Carr took over drumming duties following Criss’s departure.
Other artists with whom he has worked include Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, B. B. King, Peter Frampton, Joan Armatrading, Cyndi Lauper, Link Wray, John Waite, Robert Gordon, Eric Johnson, Beth Hart, and Kix.
David Letterman
Fig has been the drummer for the Paul Shaffer-led house band of David Letterman’s late night television shows since 1986, when he debuted with “The World’s Most Dangerous Band” on NBC’s Late Night with David Letterman. When Letterman’s show moved to CBS in 1993 and became Late Show with David Letterman, the band (and Fig) moved as well, adding a horn section and becoming known as the “CBS Orchestra”.
During this tenure, Fig and the rest of the band have played with scores of artists including Miles Davis, James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Winwood, Bonnie Raitt, and Tony Bennett. Fig also played parts in several of the show’s comic sketches, including the recurring gag, “Anton Fig’s Guess The Expiration Date”, in which Fig would be blindfolded and fed a perishable food product and attempt to guess the expiration date on the item solely from tasting it. The CBS Orchestra has also backed up a host of artists in other venues, such as Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Little Richard, and also B. B. King at the closing ceremonies of the summer 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. They also backed Al Green, Gloria Estefan, ‘N Sync, and Eric Clapton for VH1’s Save the Music concert at the White House.
The World’s Most Dangerous Band is also the house band for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Additionally, they were the backup band for The Concert for New York City where they performed with David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy, Macy Gray, and James Taylor.
On occasions when Paul Shaffer has been absent from The Late Show or has guest-hosted, especially since the death of previous substitute bandleader Warren Zevon in 2003, Fig has filled in as bandleader.
Other projects
Some of the many recordings Fig has made include selections with Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Gary Moore, Shanghai, Ace Frehley, Joan Armatrading, Rosanne Cash, Joe Cocker, John Phillips, Warren Zevon, Sebastian Bach, Oz Noy, Jed Davis, Joe Satriani, Paul Butterfield, Link Wray and Chris Spedding.
He replaced Peter Criss on the Kiss albums Dynasty (1979) and Unmasked (1980), playing drums on all tracks for both albums (except Criss’ song from Dynasty, “Dirty Livin'”). Due to Kiss’ management attempting to cover up any personnel problems within the band, Fig would not be credited until years later, and Criss appears in the video for “Shandi” off the Unmasked album.
As a freelance drummer, Fig has also played live with Paul Simon, Booker T and the MG’s, The Thompson Twins at Live Aid, and Jim Keltner for Bob Dylan’s 30th anniversary concert celebration. In 1996, Fig released a drum instructional video and book titled In the Groove and Late Night Drumming, respectively.
In 2002, Fig completed his first solo record, Figments. Produced and co-written by Fig, the record represents three years of work and includes – among others singers and musicians – Richie Havens, Brian Wilson, Ivan Neville, Sebastian Bach, Ace Frehley, Al Kooper, Chris Spedding, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Blondie Chaplin, Paul Shaffer, Chris Botti, Randy Brecker, and Richard Bona.
In 2006, Fig worked with Blackmore’s Night on The Village Lanterne. In 2007, Fig worked with Joe Bonamassa on his Sloe Gin album, in 2009 on his Ballad of John Henry album, and in 2014 on Different Shades of Blue.
On 4 May 2009, Anton joined Joe Bonamassa’s band for their debut appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where Eric Clapton made a guest appearance. A DVD capturing this performance was subsequently released. Fig was featured on Ace Frehley’s album Anomaly, released on 15 September 2009.
DENNIS CHAMBERS
“It’s Jazz. It just doesn’t sound like it.”
also an early user of the five-string electric bass.
Anton Fig, known as “The Thunder from Down Under”, is a South African session drummer, perhaps best known as the drummer and second-in-command for Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band. David Letterman, for whom the band served as house band on his late-night talk shows, often referred to Fig as “Anton Zip” or “Buddy Rich Jr.” Fig is also well known for his work with Kiss, Ace Frehley and Joe Bonamassa.