World Jazz Trio

The World Jazz Trio, arose out of conversations between myself and Biyi Adepegba of Joyful Noise. He conceived it as a vehicle for me to perform my compositions within the framework of his 'Rythm Sticks' and 'African Music Festival'.

I always have had a hard time pigeon-holing my music as it is a blend of Latin influences, seventies funk and fusion and straight ahead jazz. By 2003 African musical influences were coming into the mix and I had already done some gigs with South African drummer Chicco Mdima. I really liked Chicco's playing: it always felt like he was speaking - actually saying something when he played.

We met Cuban bass player Jimmi Martinez at an Omar Puente gig and arranged to start rehearsing straight away. It was a wonderful vibe, and Chicco and Jimi were really up for singing. Our first gig was a support for Billy Cobham at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. This was really exciting and you can hear some of the tracks as the gig was recorded. Many thanks to engineer Paul Astbury.

When Chicco was unable to make it back from SA, drummer Saleem Raman stood in and did a great job. Unfortunately Chicco is no longer with us and he will be sorely missed by Jimmi, myself and all the people who knew him at Joyful Noise.

Paul Weinreb	Chicco Mdima	Jimmi Martinez	Saleem Raman