Defender Pioneers-Jazzlab Winners

Gabriel Chakarji Trio

The Gabriel Chakarji Trio blends fiery jazz and spontaneous improvisation with the pulsating rhythms of Afro-Venezuelan tradition. Led by the award-winning Venezuelan pianist and composer Gabriel Chakarji, this New York-based trio creates music filled with lyrical storytelling, breathtaking musical dialogue, and an infectious, vibrant energy that grabs every listener and sets the entire room alight.

Raízes

Raízes means roots — and that’s exactly what you feel in every note. German-Brazilian pianist, composer and singer Noah Reis Ramma brings his quartet to life with music that fuses the soul of Minas Gerais with European classical tradition and Black American heritage. With poetic melodies, vivid harmonies and a driving groove, they create a powerful, vibrant sound that hits you straight to the core and electrifies the entire room.