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| Justo Almario Featured in Kung Fu Panda Original Musical Score This summer keep your ears open, as International Colombian saxophonist Justo Almario can be heard in Kung Fu Panda's (Dreamworks) upbeat and epic-like original musical score. Kung Fu Panda will be opening in theaters everywhere on June 6th. Co-written by Hans Zimmer and John Paul, the musical score is an adventurous score with unique rhythms and instrumentation. No stranger to film festivities; on May 19th he performed at the Cannes Film Festival alongside Andy Garcia and the CineSon All Stars. Mr. Almario was also featured on the recently released documentary Cachao: Uno Mas, a film distinguishing Israel Lopez "Cacho" as one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians of our time. Justo Almario shares details about his friendship with Israel Lopez "Cachao" and an unforgettable story of one of Israel Lopez's last concerts. "I'm extremely blessed to have had his friendship in my life. One of the last concerts that I played with him was, of all places, in the Caribbean coast of Colombia in 2006 at the Barranquijazz Festival in my home country, " Justo says. He adds, "The audience gave him a standing ovation after the very first song and they were on their feet for the rest of the concert. Like the title of the beautiful and important documentary produced by Andy Garcia about Cachao's life and music: 'Cachao, Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos, ' I'm forever grateful and forever will miss you." Master of soprano and tenor saxophones, Justo Almario also recently joined the legendary Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes on his upcoming album Encanto (Concord Records), which brings together a fusion of flavors and grooves from artists all over the world. Justo joined Sergio with fellow Columbian-artist Juanes in "Y Vamos Ya" and "The Look of Love" featuring American-pop star Fergie. On June 10th look out Justo in Encanto, as this album is another exhilarating showcase about the enchantment of Brazilian music with an eclectic blend of Justo's clever instrumentation of Latin and jazz. With homage awards on August 14th at Encuentro Nacional de Bandas and on August 15th at Universidad de Sucre in Colombia, Justo Almario is indeed a world-wide respected and celebrated artist. Justo has had an eventful start nationally and internationally, continuously fusing Latin and jazz elements to different genres, collaborating with a diversity of artists, and connecting with listeners on many levels-to include musical scores for films such as Oscar-winning films Happy Feet and Sideways. Performances are currently being planned through 2008/09 to include Cartagena, Colombia, The Jakarta Jazz Festival, and the Go Global Festival in Denmark. This summer you can find the legendary Justo Almario at the following venues: May 30th -Charlie O's June 5th -Coral Church Congregation Church "Summer Series" June 14th- Rhythms on Vine July 26th-Central Avenue Jazz Festival August 14th - Encuentro Nacional de Bandas August 15th - Universidad de Sucre September 26th-San Antonio Jazz Festival About Justo Almario A native of Colombia, reedman, clinician, composer and arranger, Justo Almario has fused Latin, Afro-Cuban, South American, Funk and Jazz genres into his own humble offering. Mr. Almario studied at the prestigious Berklee School of Music before a stint with Mongo Santamaria as the bands musical director. A multi-instrumentalist of the highest caliber, Mr. Almario has mastered the soprano and tenor saxophones, clarinet and flute. Justo thoroughly engages his listeners with rhythmic, call and response interludes. Although he is extremely appreciative, this modest wind wizard frequently deflects any accolades, opting instead, to thank folks for merely showing up and sharing. This is paramount to a keenly sensitive artist who warmly connects with his audience on so many levels. Justo has performed with Patrice Rushen's Grammy Awards Orchestra, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Ayers, George Duke, Tito Puente, Machito, Dave Grusin, Ndugu Chancler, Abraham Laboriel, TOLU, Al Mckibbon, Master P, Bebe Winans, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, Charles Mingus, Chaka Kahn, Linda Rondstadt, Herb Alpert, Bobby Shew, John Heard, Billy Higgins and Andy Garcia and the CineSon All Stars. Always in demand, Justo's complete list of credits is simply too extensive to mention. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |