by Celina Dietzel

The Knox and Galesburg communities leaned into traditional Cuban music with artist Juan Carlos Formell and his group el Nuevo Son Radical as part of the fourth annual Knox Winter Jazz Series.

The group, which travelled from New York City, is composed of bassist Ben Willis, percussionist Chuito Quintero, and guitarist Juan Carlos Formell. The trio led an open workshop on January 14 that explored African-influenced rhythm and percussions styles. Later that day they performed a concert in Kresge Recital Hall.

Raeann Boero ‘17 enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the residency.

"These are internationally renowned musicians who come to our little school and talk with us like we're all just kickin' back. Their performance at the concert was just as welcoming. They really encouraged audience participation and dancing and really wanted everyone to be a part of their music," she said.

The Knox Winter Jazz Series brings global artists to Knox and introduces music that has influenced jazz or been influenced by jazz in some way.

"With the Winter Jazz Series we are able to bring in artists and sounds that the community might not be familiar with," said Knox Jazz Year Managing Director Andy Crawford.

The workshop and concert were attended by people of all ages, from both the Galesburg community and Knox.

"I don't have a lot of experience with Cuban music, but as a listener it makes my ears happy. It's incredibly hard to sit still when listening to Cuban music. You just want to get up a dance," Boero said.

Formell began playing guitar and composing in his teens, and studied bass with Andres Escalona from the Havana Philharmonic.His debut album, Songs From a Little Blue House, earned him a Grammy nomination. Formell has toured and performed as a solo artist at various venues and jazz festivals across the country.

The Knox Winter Jazz Series is a part of the Knox Jazz Year, which includes the Jerome Mirza Residency in the Fall, and the Rootabaga Jazz Festival in the spring. This year's Winter Jazz Series was sponsored by the Galesburg Community Foundation, Stellyes Center for Global Studies, Knox College Cultural Events, and the Music, Modern Languages, Latin American Studies, and Anthropology and Sociology departments.