top of page
CCCN JO

CCCN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Logo CCCNJO

The CCCN JAZZ ORCHESTRA embraces the tradition of "big bands" in its broadest spectrum, creating opportunities for the Costa Rican music student to practice the disciplines and skills this great tradition has contributed to contemporary popular music of the last century.

IMG_3165.JPG

Our 
Story

Get to Know Us

In 2018, the North American Costa Rican Cultural Center and its Cultural Department joined forces with Dr.Carlomagno Araya to create this project, consolidating CCCN's role as the leading jazz promoter in Costa Rica.

Despite its relatively young foundation, the CCCN JAZZ ORCHESTRA has achieved an international historic milestone by winning FIRST PLACE at the prestigious 49th "Next Generation Jazz Competition"  (College Big Band Division)  of the prestigious "Monterey Jazz Festival"  (California, USA 2019). This was the first time that an international band classified to its finals and won as the "top scoring band" at such important competition.

Since then, the band has kept building its reputation as one of the premier Latin American  jazz ensambles collaborating with international renown artists such as Dr Ed Calle, Paquito D'Rivera, Hendrik Meurkens, Felix Pastorius, Jose Valentino, Diego Urcola, Claudio Spiewak, Ismael Vergara to name a few.

Vincent Maggio, FL

“Biggest Congrats! I'am not surprised, given the tracks you send me. Gustav Holts said, "Rhythm is the most important thing in life."Ole Vince Maggio said, "Rhythm is the only reliably unifying element in music."You proved both concepts to your students and they obviously embraced that. That's why I think you won. Rhythmic agreement is the key to musical unity. Very proud of you for bringing your students to that realization. They will never forget you "

Hendrik Meurkens, NY

"First rehearsal today with the CCCN Jazz Orchestra. The band sounds killing, director Carlomagno Araya created something very special. Among other charts we played an arrangement by Steve Sacks of one of my Brazilian tunes that he wrote in 1995 for a project I did with Claudio Roditi. It reminded me of the 90s in New York when the Samba Jazz scene in the city was roaring. I was lucky to have been part of it. And I'm still around to tell the story"

Felix Pastorius, NY

“Thank you for having me last night in Costa Rica, and celebrating my father's big band music CCCN Jazz Orchestra !”
BIGBANDBRSIL.png
BIG BAND BRASIL Album

OUR NEW RELEASE

BIG BAND BRASIL

BIG BAND BRASIL

Big Band Brasil is a dream come true. Brazilian jazz has been my “thing” ever since I started playing music and I have recorded many samba jazz projects over the years. Among those this one is truly special. Hearing my songs being played by this fantastic Costa Rican Jazz Orchestra is a delight, and having the honor to play a few Jobim gems arranged by Diego Garbin is an extra bonus.

It all started when I met Carlomagno a few years back in Miami. Right away I was impressed with his world class drumming. He later asked me to play on Federico Britos’ Hot Club of the Americas album, which he produced. Then, last year, Carlomagno invited me to come to Costa Rica and perform as a guest with his fantastic big band and that was the start of this album. We fine-tuned the repertoire; I brought in the arrangements of my tunes by Russ Spiegel, Steve Sacks and Carlos Franzetti; and Carlomagno added the Jobim arrangements by Diego Garbin. We rehearsed the music, did the concert, and later recorded the album in Carlomagno’s studio.
Carlomagno is the producer, director and the drummer, everything on the highest level. And check out the band! Clean as they come, and swinging like crazy! Costa Rica is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Latin Jazz. Having the legendary Paquito D’Rivera as a guest is a great honor, and José Valentino, Diego Urcola, Ismael Vergara and Claudio Spiewak all add their virtuosity to round out this burning samba jazz album. Big Band Brasil is definitely one of my best works!
                                                            Hendrik Meurkens, New York, June 2024

SIlver medal_edited.jpg

"Hendrik Meurkins & Carlomagno Araya

Big Band Brasil CCCN Jazz Orchestra" won at the Global Music Awards Competition 2024:

  • Silver Medal Winner (Outstanding Achivement)Latin Jazz 

"Established in 2011, the Global Music Awards is a well-known international music competition which celebrates independent musicians and it's widely recognized by industry insiders as giving legitimacy to highly talented artists. 'Global Music Awards is recognized as music's golden seal of approval. ' Each year, Global Music Awards receives hundreds of entries from around the world."

CCCN JAZZ ORCHESTRA LIVE

CCCCN Jazz Orchestra

Life at Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

Featuring Ed Calle, soloist

CCCN Jazz Orchestra en Vivo
TNCR Grabacion CCCNJO y Ed Calle_edited.jpg

CCCCN Jazz Orchestra y Ed Calle En Vivo," directed by the brilliant Carlomagno Araya. This album is a mesmerizing journey through a vibrant tapestry of intercultural wonders, showcasing compositions that are not only exhilarating but also soul-stirring, leaving listeners in awe.

From the very first notes, it becomes apparent that this album is something truly special. The compositions burst forth with a contagious energy, weaving together intricate rhythms, infectious melodies, and harmonies that transport you to the heart of Latin jazz.

Each track is a testament to the profound understanding of the genre's nuances, paying homage to its rich heritage while pushing boundaries with a fresh and contemporary approach.

"CCCN Jazz Orchestra & Ed Calle En Vivo" is a complete experience that evokes a wide range of emotions. It will make you laugh, cry, smile, dance, and leave you with a resounding "Wow." This album is a testament to the beauty and universality of jazz, breaking barriers and captivating listeners aross nations. It is a celebration of the interplay between cultures, a testament to the power of music, and a true masterpiece that will resonate with jazz enthusiasts for years to come.

-José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D.,D.Min.

Multi Award Winner/Music Business & Entrepreneurship Chair

University of Florida

FEATURING ARTIST

CREATING MUSICAL BRIDGES

huge_avatar.jpeg

Ed Calle

ab6761610000e5ebeddc2f8a5cae7011e4ff4a3f.jpeg

Felix Pastorius

ab6772690000dd22b7ea454182bb03dd05b67d17_edited.jpg

Diego Urcola

Paquito-with-clarinet-300dpi.jpg

Paquito D'Rivera

13221175_10154197035086880_4763611652638949836_o_edited.jpg

José Valentino

cla_edited.jpg

Claudio Spiewak

ab6761610000e5eb8b4c7d7a62a7ddf9af252a88.jpeg

Hendrik Meurkens

ismael_vergara_bio_pic_edited.jpg

Ismael Vergara

10387487_10152230583600835_1511939584762870691_n_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Carlomagno Araya

VIDEOS

BIG BAND BRASIL
02:05
YESTERDAYS album track #5 LIVE VIDEO
05:03
TNCR Grabacion CCCNJO y Ed Calle_edited.jpg

GALLERY

Address

Provincia de San José, Costa Rica

Phone

+011 (506) 8311-7692

Email

carlomagnodrums©yahoo.com

  

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page