Rocambu Jazz
Named one of “11 Bands Not to Miss During Chicago’s World Music Festival”
by choosechicago.com
“An unexpected delight. Yves combines the energy and exuberance of American Jazz
with the effervescent dance music of French Africa”
First Night Evanston 2012
Yves Francois’ ROCAMBU JAZZ is a dance band that was formed in 2002. The band performs Retro African, Latin and Caribbean grooves.
They explore the rhythms of the African Diaspora such as:
- biguine
- calypso
- conga
- rumba
- highlife
- samba
- son
- New Orleans
- West African
MYSTIFIED- NEW VERSION 2022 © 2014 Yves Francois
TAXI DRIVER- NEW VERSION 2022 Traditional West African Song
AH SENOR EXCERPT- by Franco
UN DEUX TROIS YEP Conga by Filiberto Rico
DIARABY Guinean Jazz Song written by Kélétigui Traoré
NEW CD VIVA ROCAMBU! Will be released during summer 2022. Check Here for further updates! Thank you to the City of Chicago DCASE for their sponsorship of this upcoming album!
PAST PERFORMANCES:
Chicago Night Out in The Parks 2016, 2018, 2021
Governors State University
World Music Festival, Chicago 2014 Opened for Banda Magda
Chicago Cultural Center, Noontime Series
Clark Street Festival, Rogers Park Chicago
Howard Street Festival, Rogers Park, Chicago
Black History Month Celebration, Crystal Park
Art Institute, Chicago
Bastille Days, Milwaukee
First Night, Evanston
Pike River Benefit Concert Series at Hawthorn Hollow, Kenosha
Performed regularly at The Hot House Chicago, Quenchers Saloon. and Le Relaias
CURRENT MEMBERS:
Yves Francois Trumpet
Marc Smierciak Clarinet. Keyboards, Percussion
Frank Youngwerth Trumpet
Jim Christopher Saxophone, Clarinet
Dave Smith Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass
Ronnie Malley Oud, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion
George Lawler Drums
Greg Nergaard
PAST MEMBERS INCLUDE:
Bruce Mak Guitar
Ben Lansing Guitar, Octave Mandolin, Banjo
Gregory Redfeairn Bass
Bonbonfera Tim Keenan Percussion
Michael Tooles Percussion
Dan Nicky Bass, Percussion, Keys
Steven White Bass
Eduardo Corzo Clarinet
Jesus Camargo Vocals
Joey Spielberg Bass
John Knecht Percussion
Simon Kashama Guitar, Vocals
Learn More about Yves Francois and his music, Return to Ritmo Home
FOR BOOKING INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOOKING MANAGER Kimber Claveau
E-MAIL [email protected]