Emrah Kotan, a classically trained percussionist from Turkey, holds a Master's degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University. His captivating performances span the globe, gracing renowned stages like the Istanbul Jazz Festival and New York's Blue Note. Emrah's musical prowess transcends genres and cultures, evident in his collaborations with Grammy-winning artists India.Arie and Jennifer Holliday.

Emrah is equally passionate about education, conducting master classes and teaching students of all ages. As Director of Jazz and World Percussion Ensembles at Agnes Scott College, he shapes young talents. Endorsed by Pearl drums, Emrah is a vital voice in the Recording Academy, influencing the music industry's evolution. His journey weaves together diverse influences, creating a remarkable impact on the global music scene.
 

ANDRÉ RIEVERS
Vocals · Guitar

From São Paulo, Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter André Rievers has spent his musical life inside the rhythms and harmonies of Brazil.

His foundation is samba and bossa nova: the sway of the samba groove, the hushed intimacy of the bossa nova voice, and the rich, jazz-inflected harmony that made Brazilian song travel the world. Those roots extend through MPB and baião, and into the long conversation between Brazilian music and American jazz, where melody, swing and improvisation meet.

For André, singing and playing guitar are one gesture: the right hand carrying the samba pulse, the left exploring the chords that give bossa nova its color. His music honors that tradition while bringing his own voice to it, warm, rhythmic and conversational, as Brazilian music has always been.

VLAMIR ABBUD
Bass · 

From São Paulo, Brazilian bassist, songwriter, and producer Vlamir Abbud brings groove, melody, and a distinctly musical approach to the foundation of every band he plays in.

An honors graduate of Berklee College of Music, Vlamir combines the rhythmic language of samba and bossa nova with the harmonic vocabulary of modern jazz. His bass lines carry the surdo’s pulse and the subtle syncopation of Brazilian rhythm, while moving with the freedom and melodic sense of a jazz soloist.

Whether anchoring a samba groove or shaping the quiet space of a bossa nova ballad, Vlamir’s instinct for melodic storytelling turns the bass into part of the conversation, not just its foundation.