Artist description The multi-platinum composer and former musical director for Earth, Wind & Fire, Freddie Ravel has collaborated with the greats of the musical world which include Quincy Jones, Sergio Mendes, Carl Anderson, Peter White, Bobby Mc Ferrin and currently, five-time Grammy winner, Al Jarreau. He also appears with Madonna on the EVITA video as well as a guest soloist on her latin dance version of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”. In addition to his unique pieces for the world of smooth and Latin jazz , Freddie continues to expand into the classical world. His orchestral works such as Gypsy Fanfare, Heartstrings , A Perfect Day and Water received rave reviews in his recent appearance as guest composer and pianist with the seventy-piece, California Philharmonic Orchestra. Ravel’s interests range from cycling, hiking, skating, travel, yoga and spiritual studies to his aggressive support of environmental and human causes. But above all, it is the wonder and power of music that continues to propel Freddie’s spirit: “To be able to express what one feels in their heart and soul is a great blessing, but even more, the opportunity to be able to share that light with the listener is a dream that I will always aspire for. “

Music Style Smooth Jazz/Latin Jazz/Latin Vocal/R&B

Musical Influences Classical/R&B/Jazz/Ambient/Latin/Island/Ethnic/Pop

Similar Artists Sting/Ricky Martin/Enigma/Chick Corea/Gypsy Kings/Joe Sample

Artist History Born in Los Angeles with South American and East European roots, the bi-lingual Ravel is truly the product of a colorful and cultural heritage. With a fascination for music that began at age five, he studied jazz and classical composition at California State University Northridge, graduating with full cum laude honors. Freddie’s international debut, Midnight Passion, was released on Polygram in Japan in 1991. It went to the top of the charts in that territory, and to #6 in the U.S. With Sol to Soul, his second recording for Verve/Polygram, Ravel has created a cultural bridge by combining the sounds of the “sol” (Spanish for “sun”) of his Latin heritage with the “soul” of Rhythm & Blues. Reaching #14 nationwide, the album’s diversity has been embraced by college radio, top Latin stations and America’s fastest growing radio format, “Smooth Jazz”. The Hollywood Reporter has named Mr. Ravel “One of L.A.’s truly great keyboardists” and world-renown author of mind-body medicine and co-writer on Sol’s “Slip in the Gap”, Dr. Deepak Chopra, says: “ Freddie’s expression comes from the source of all music, the spirit which is infinite silence and infinite dynamism at the same time.” DTS, the company that provides sound for blockbuster films like “Jurassic Park” has just released a six-channel, surround sound version of “Sol to Soul” officially making Mr. Ravel the first contemporary jazz artist to be released into this state-of-the-art audio technology.

Group Members Guitar: Michael O'Niell, Peter White, Strunz and Farah, Marc Antoine, Ricardo Silviera, Ross Bolton, Frank Gambale Drums: Tris Imboden, Walfredo Reyes, Bernie Dresel, Jota Morelli, Alex Acuna, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd. Bass: Verdine White, Alphonso Johnson, Larry Antonino, Jimmy Earl, John B. Williams Percussion: Luis Conte, Airto Moriera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Rafael Padilla Vocals: Freddie Ravel, Luis Enrique, Maurice White, Anjani Thomas, Tania Sanchez, Pauline Wilson

Instruments Piano/Synthesizers/Percussion/Vocals/Accordion

Albums Midnight Passion/Sol to Soul/Dreams in Progress

Press Reviews “Ravel’s multi-faceted concept collection Sol to Soul is a thrill ride of eclecticism in which all the elements blend beautifully. While acoustic piano is Ravel’s most charming tool, we are showered with loads of production textures filled with world beat fire as well as smooth originals such as “Sailaway” recalling Gato Barbieri and an eloquent rendition of Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood.” JAZZIZ “Freddie Ravel, a young Latin keyboardist currently much in vogue in L.A. gives us one of the hottest Latin crossover albums of the year, a supercharged, danceable excursion loaded with funky organ, hot R&B-style horns and throbbing Afro-Caribbean rhythms. HISPANIC

Additional Info T-shirts,

Location Los Angeles, California - USA

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