On 24 November 2024, Ekute Le Trio kicked off the eighth Zurich Jam Session.
Ekute Le Trio lineup (from left): Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves (bass), Rich Harpur (guitar), Marcio de Sousa (drums)
The eighth Zurich Jam Session kicked off with an electrifying performance from Ekute Le Trio, a band known for its powerful blend of jazz, funk, and Afro-beat. Featuring Rich Harpur on guitar, Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves on bass, and Márcio de Sousa on drums, the trio brought an infectious energy to the stage that kept the audience on their toes throughout the evening.
From the very first note, it was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable session. Rich Harpur, with his dynamic guitar playing, effortlessly switched between smooth jazz improvisations, funky grooves, and Afro-beat rhythms. His ability to blend these different styles created a sound that was both fresh and deeply rooted in musical tradition. Paired with Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves on bass, whose fluid lines and pulsating rhythms provided the perfect foundation, the duo created an undeniable groove that had the audience hooked. On drums, Marcio de Sousa brought a dynamic presence to the trio, expertly navigating complex rhythms and adding an undeniable funk influence that infused the performance with energy and spontaneity.
The set featured a blend of original compositions, including Föhnsturm by Rich Harpur, alongside soulful pearls of funk and world music, each piece showcasing the trio's versatility and deep exploration of diverse musical styles. Funky bass lines, tight drum patterns, and intricate guitar solos blended seamlessly, with each musician bringing their own unique voice to the conversation. The result was a night of musical exploration where the boundaries between jazz, funk, and Afro-beat melted away, giving way to moments of pure improvisational brilliance.
True to the spirit of the Zurich Jam Session, the night was an open invitation for other musicians in the audience to join in and contribute. The collaborative spirit of the event fostered a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere where creativity flowed freely, with even the youngest participant, just 10 years old, adding their unique voice. As the evening progressed, the trio and their guest musicians fed off each other's energy, pushing the limits of improvisation and taking the audience on a musical journey that was as unpredictable as it was exciting.
What made the night even more special was the intimate setting of the jam session, where the audience and musicians were in close proximity, creating an atmosphere of shared energy and spontaneous creation. The blend of jazz, funk, and Afro-beat was a perfect reflection of the diverse Zurich music scene — vibrant, eclectic, and full of life.
As the night came to a close, there was a palpable sense of satisfaction in the air. The session had once again proven why the Zurich Jam Session is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about live music. The trio’s masterful improvisation, their seamless fusion of genres, and the collaborative spirit of the evening left the crowd eager for more.
Whether you're a die-hard jazz fan, a lover of funky grooves, or someone who appreciates the energy of live, improvised music, the Zurich Jam Session never disappoints. The eighth edition, with Ekute Le Trio, set the bar high for future sessions — and fans can’t wait to see what’s next!
In this episode of La casa de nadie Podcast, host José Pino sits down with Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves for an insightful conversation on creativity, music, and the personal journey behind the art.
Brazilian bassist and composer Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves, who has roots in Congo and Angola and grew up in Brazil and Switzerland, reflects on his artistic journey, musical influences, and discusses the complexities of cultural appropriation in music. As a special treat, he performs original compositions and collaborates with José on a unique bass and guitar duet of the jazz classic Corcovado by Tom Jobim.
Don’t miss this intimate musical experience and thought-provoking conversation between two creative voices. The discussion is in Spanish and Portuguese, with English subtitles.
Discover more about the vibrant community orbiting our cultural platform in the Guest Book.
Delve into Benjamin, Rich, and Márcio's profiles and uncover the stories, lives, and creative work of artists connected to La casa de nadie.