New release by Elizabeth Rodriquez and OKÀN

7 Arts Label has just announced the release of a new recording by Cuban violinist Elizabeth Rodriquez and OKÀN. Members of OKÀN are also known to Canadian audiences for their work with jazz saxophonist Jane Bunnett as part of the highly successful Maqueque project. Recorded live in studio on October 14, 2016 at Inception Sound Studios in Toronto and entitled Desnudando el Alma, the new CD further strengthens the musical connection between Havana and Toronto.

Elizabeth Rodriguez was born in Havana, Cuba and is a classically trained violinist. She was a Concert Master at the Youth Orchestra in Havana, and since moving to Canada in 2013 she has been pursuing her musical career as a singer and violinist for several bands like: Okàn; the Juno winning band of Jane Bunnett & Maqueque; and The Battle of Santiago; to name but a few. Magdelys Savigne was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and is classical trained In Orchestral Percussion. She graduated with honours from University of Arts in Havana, Cuba. She is percussionist vocalist, and composer with several bands from; Okàn; to Jane Bunnett & Maqueque; to Bill King's Rhythm Express; to The Battle of Santiago. From Matanzas, Celia Jimenez: is a classically trained bassoonist who graduated at the University of Arts in Havana. Celia is the bassist for Jane Bunnett and Maqueque; Okàn, as well playing in many other Latin bands. Bill King's musical accomplishments as a composer, song writer, and active producer are too long to list. He was a member of The Shadows in 1966 when they had their first Billboard Top 50 hit with jazz pianist’s Bobby Timmons gospel romp, 'Moanin’, a successful stint which led to King working with many of the stars of the day including The Shangrilas, Dick and Dee Dee, Freddy Cannon, The Dovells, and Ronnie Dove. He opened for The Beach Boys on three occasions, and appeared with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. By 1968, King had moved from Greenwich Village (where he been house pianist at Louie Jordan’s) to Los Angeles to become Linda Ronstadt’s Music Director and Pianist. A year later, he joined Janis Joplin’s band in the same capacity. King is a founder and musical director of the Beaches International Jazz Festival. King recently wrote and composed a musical titled: "GLORYLAND: Tales from the Old South" composer, violin vocals: Elizabeth Rodriguez arrangements, drums percussion & vocals: Magdelys Savigne producer piano: Bill King

bass: Celia Jimenez sound engineer: Michael Haas The CD can be purchased at CD Baby.