CCCN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

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.

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 !”

OUR NEW RELEASE

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

"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."

About Global Music Awards

CCCN JAZZ ORCHESTRA LIVE

CCCCN Jazz Orchestra

Life at Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

Featuring Ed Calle, soloist

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