Meet Black Pearl Ensemble, a lively music group from Oahu, Hawaii. They're all about mixing Neo soul, Lo-Fi, Downtempo, Jazz. They came together during the Black Pearl Studio sessions, creating a space where each member adds their own style.
At the core of this group is the collaboration of Kona Askari, guitarist, engineer, producer and owner of Black Pearl Studios and composer, multi-instrumentalist Thomas Mackay. They've been making music together for almost a decade and are the driving force behind Black Pearl Ensemble sound.
To complete the band, they brought in two expressive musicians from Oahu. Ernie Provencher, originally from Boston, by way for Hong Kong, and NYC dis diverse background adds depth and groove. Drummer Cristian Pangaribaun, originally from Guam via Colorado, brings his own rhythmic style. Vocalist Sir Noah Newton, originally from Philly by way of NYC and Europe were he crooned audiences worldwide on the Aida Cruise line, brings his sexy expressive voice to round the ensemble
Together, Black Pearl Ensemble creates a captivating blend of sounds and takes you on a musical journey. Their performances are a groovy adventure that shows the power of collaboration and the universal language of music.
Included in the Album are samples of Black Pearl Ensemble (Neo Soul, Lo-Fi, Downtempo Groove)
Instrumentation is:
Keyboards : Thomas Mackay Guitar: Kona Askari Bass : Ernie Provencher Drums : Cristian Pangaribaun Vocals: Noah Newton
The Vibra Cubana story:
Vibra Cubana was formed in 2013 by vibraphonist Thomas Mackay whom at the time was residing in Oregon. The focus of this group was to explore the world of Latin Jazz namely Cal Tjader and Dave Samuels. In 2014 while on a brief tour visiting and playing on Oahu he met Harold Chang at Harry’s drum shop and was exposed to the great Hawaiian vibraphonist Arthur Lyman as he and Harold talked for a few hours. Harold gave Mackay a CD of “Leis of Jazz” and that was it! He asked Harold if there was anyone that was bringing back the legacy of Arthur’s music and from that conversation forward, Mackay and his wife moved to Honolulu to reimagine the music of Arthur Lyman. Once Vibra Cubana! landed in Hawai'i Mackay quickly rallied the best musicians that Honolulu had to offer and in 2015 to 2016 Vibra Cubana! held down a monthly residency at Medici’s in Manoa. During that time period, Vibra Cubana featured the likes of Tommy James, Gerardo Velez, Alika Lyman, Von Baron, Ethan Capone, Bobo Butires, and Lopaka Colon. In 2017 Vibra Cubana! became a weekly fixture at the historic La Mariana tiki bar that allowed Mackay to transcribe and dive more heavily into the world of Les Baxter, Martin Denny and the sound of Exotica, while keeping sight on the exotic sound of Lyman. Also at this time Mackay enlisted Bassist Ernie Provencher and, along with Lopaka Colon, Vibra Cubana! molded exotica into a new sound and recorded their debut album “IntoxiKA” in 2019; the album was nominated for "Best Instrumental Album of the Year" at the 2020 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Since that recording Mackay, Colon and Provencher decided to change the name of the exotica trio to “IntoxiKA. Mr. Mackay kept the name Vibra Cubana! as his original focus on “latin jazz” and in 2019 recorded a live performance from HPR's Atherton Performing Arts Studio - “Tribute to Cal Tjader”; this recording was nominated for “Best Jazz Album of the Year" at the 2021 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Vibra Cubana! continues to keep the music of Arthur Lyman and Cal Tjader alive and well.
This album includes samples of Vibra Cubana! performing as a Latin Jazz quintet and as a Swing Jazz quartet.
Included in this album are samples of Vibra Cubana in a Trio setting. The Hawaiian trio includes Percussion and the Swing Trio includes Guitar.
Tiki Fridays at Romer Waikiki! Thomas brings back the his world reknown ensemble that revisits the music of Arthur Lyman, Don Ho and many other classic Hawaiian musicians when the Tiki torches were all the rage.. Enjoy the sounds of Vibra Cubana! in the courtyard. Vibra Cubana! will perform Fridays every week. Come get your tiki on. See you there!
Unicorn Productions 808 introduces the mesmerizing melodies of the Hawaii’s newest Neo Soul/ Lo-fi/ downtempo band ! Get ready to vibe with us as we transport you to a world of soulful rhythms and captivating tunes. Don’t miss out on this magical night at HonoluluBeerworks April 26th. 6:30 pm til 9 pm. No cover . Noah Newton ; vocals Thomas Mackay : Keyz Kona Askari : Lo- fi Guitar Ernie Provencher: bass Cristian Pangaribaun: drums
Tiki Fridays at Romer Waikiki! Thomas brings back the his world reknown ensemble that revisits the music of Arthur Lyman, Don Ho and many other classic Hawaiian musicians when the Tiki torches were all the rage.. Enjoy the sounds of Vibra Cubana! in the courtyard. Vibra Cubana! will perform Fridays every week. Come get your tiki on. See you there!
Tiki Fridays at Romer Waikiki! Thomas brings back the his world reknown ensemble that revisits the music of Arthur Lyman, Don Ho and many other classic Hawaiian musicians when the Tiki torches were all the rage.. Enjoy the sounds of Vibra Cubana! in the courtyard. Vibra Cubana! will perform Fridays every week. Come get your tiki on. See you there!
Honolulu Witchez and friends ... TBA
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